Adam Handler 'Always Near You... Always'

Artelli, Artoneers, and Caelis Galería were delighted to announce the opening of “Always Near You, Always,” a groundbreaking solo exhibition by the acclaimed New York-born artist, Adam Handler. This mesmerizing showcase of new and recent works invited art enthusiasts on an immersive journey through Handler’s unique mode of expression, blending innocence, whimsy, and profound narratives.

About the Exhibition

Inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche’s quote, “The child is innocence and forgetting, a new beginning, a game, a self-propelling wheel, a first movement, a Sacred Yes,” Handler’s art captures the essence of overcoming existential voids within finite life. Renowned for his innocent imagery featuring ghosts and girl figures, Handler seamlessly weaves poignant stories through simple forms and textures reminiscent of children’s drawings.

Born in New York, Handler has made a significant impact on the global art scene, with a notable presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia. “Always Near You, Always” featured over fifty new paintings, providing a comprehensive overview of Handler’s artistic journey. The exhibition introduced recent additions such as the Battle Ground series and the debut of the Monochromatic Color Band Paintings.

New Series

The Battle Ground series explores daring, mythic, and imaginative scenes drawn from the superhero genre, while the Monochromatic Color Band Paintings showcase dynamic strokes with oil sticks and spray paints, accentuating vibrancy and abstraction. Handler’s evolving body of work, from Ghost, Girl, and Abduction series to flowers and gardens, exhibits heightened textural quality and materiality compared to his earlier pieces.

Artistic Vision

Handler’s paintings, visually akin to children’s drawings, exude freedom, innocence, and primitiveness. The characters seamlessly blend with the background, creating a hallmark feature of his work. Through humorously exaggerated characters and vibrant colors, Handler transforms personal stories and anxieties into cheerful and energetic canvases.

The exhibition delves into Handler’s artistic evolution, revealing influences from Art Brut, Neo-Pop, and his deep connection with childhood memories. His girl figures, often frontally portrayed with impassive countenances, are inspired by historical references, including Willem de Kooning’s Woman series. Handler’s unique visual language bridges popular culture sentiment with fine art, inviting viewers to explore new horizons.

“Always Near You, Always” brought forth Handler’s recent exploration of superhero narratives, drawing on childhood memories of popular superheroes. His girl figures, serving as protagonists, embody a new dawn, playfulness, and creative force, transcending vanity and mortality. The exhibition offered a profound experience that united the forgotten child within adults, revealing hidden fears and defiance within our inner selves and finite lives.

Exhibition Details

• Title: Always Near You, Always
• Location: Artelli, Artoneers, and Caelis Galería, Macau
• Date: March 7 to April 6, 2024

About Adam Handler

Adam Handler is a distinguished New York-born artist known for his innocent imagery featuring ghosts and girl figures. With a significant global presence, Handler’s work explores the intersection of innocence, whimsy, and profound narratives, inviting viewers to embark on an immersive artistic journey.