Brett Charles Seiler: I Would Like To Say Thank You To All My Past Lovers
I've often heard of singers my age embedding the names of their ex-lovers in songs, expressing gratitude. But this time, I invite you to witness an artist who has delicately woven the image of a lover or an ex into their artwork, offering thanks through visual representation. The impact of these images may be more powerful than music, as they present a vivid, living image. However, when I gaze upon these artworks, the delicate and gentle texture evokes a soft outline of the lover, like fragments of a long-forgotten memory. This is the image of a past lover in our recollection—gentle yet indistinct.
A26 Space
Seiler’s works, though seemingly gentle and serene, are created with coarse materials like asphalt to depict tender and romantic memories, resulting in a subtle and sensitive presentation. This contrast leaves a lasting impression. As Brett Charles Seiler himself explains, the use of "asphalt" is a way to make "a man's work" more tender. It provides a duality to the pieces, using an industrial, heavy material to express sensitivity, serving as a personal metaphor. Brett applies the asphalt thickly, extracting cream, brown, and black hues from it. I am astonished to find that the soft, creamy colors in the paintings actually originate from such a heavy industrial material.
Regarding the subjects in these paintings, I initially thought they might be individuals connected to Brett’s personal life. However, according to Brett, these images are actually of strangers, collected from second-hand store photographs, which he then reimagines into new narratives. This explains why the paintings predominantly feature monochromatic tones, as the photos themselves are often black and white or sepia.
The figures in the paintings are sketched with simple, swift strokes, set against a backdrop of soothing colors. Cream white, black, linen, and brown shades allow the figures to appear only in silhouette, while specific features and expressions blend softly into the overall tone. In these fading memories, we retain our recollections of lovers, perhaps just their profile, a silhouette, or a phrase they once spoke. It is through such means that we preserve the intense emotions and memories of the past, and even as everything fades away, they remain a part of our memories.
About the Artist
Brett Charles Seiler, born 1994 in Simbabwe, lives and works in Cape Town, South Africa. He graduated at The Ruth Prowse School of Art, Cape Town, South Africa.
In Brett Charles Seiler's artistic practice, the self has always been the focal point. His works explore literature, memory, emotions, and the connections and relationships between people. Through his art, Seiler creates a space that transcends traditional norms, delving into the unique aesthetics of words and the vulnerability of emotions.
More information, please visited Galerie EIGEN+ART
