Six Portraits of Men in Craven’s Last Lakeville Show

Six works, each the image of a man, make up “Portraits,” a bright and compelling show at Craven Contemporary. Stretching from the 19th to the 21st century, the pieces have been united in an unexpected assembly, yet look perfectly at ease together. “Sweatshirt II,” an Alex Katz silkscreen print from 1990 has a lively, pop feel. Nearby, Alessandro Raho’s pale, realist “Ewan” (1995) shifts comfortably toward “Portrait of a Gentleman,” a 19th century oil from the English School. And in Paul P.’s “Untitled 114” (2003,) using colored pencil, the Canadian artist manages to extract an extraordinary level of detail and pathos from his subject. And, on the 30th anniversary of the artist’s death, Robert Mapplethorpe’s “Black Jack,” 1984 feels both of another time, and of this moment. 

“Portraits” marks the seventh and final show at the gallery’s current, compact space in Lakeville before a move to a new, larger location at Kent Barns. Andrew Craven, the gallery’s director, looks forward to continuing and expanding upon what he began in Lakeville at the new space. Craven hopes to add new artists to those whose work he already collects. “What I love is always learning, that there’s always a new artist to find.” The first show in Kent is planned for May. “Portraits” is an appealing and worthwhile last show for the Lakeville space. Just as exciting is to consider what comes next when Craven Contemporary moves to its new home. 

Craven Contemporary, is at 340 Main Street, in Lakeville, CT. until May. The new location will be 4 Fulling Lane, Kent, CT. For further information, email cravencontemporary@gmail.com.