Arcadia Contemporary prepares for the solo show Reverie for portrait and figure artist Casey Childs, who will display about 12 new stunning pieces. Childs studied the works of 19th-century artists and used their paintings to inspire the new works, while also adding his contemporary vision. Spending 10 years as a graphic designer has contributed to his eye for design and the desire to create unique and interesting compositions, with a focus on bettering his technique, quality and concept.
Reflection, oil on panel, 16 x 12"
In three new pieces for the show, Childs will be revisiting a theme involving winged figures in what he calls his “angel paintings.” “I began paintings angels [while] inspired by Abbott Handerson Thayer’s winged figures and [because] I love painting people, but never know what to do with my backgrounds,” says the artist. “Wings make such an interesting design.” One such work, The Calling, depicts a woman in a gorgeous, laced dress, with large wings filling the background.
“With these new works, I’m exploring ethnicity and pushing compositions to create stronger emotion in each piece,” Childs explains. “Also, I’m pushing composition and narrative a bit further than I have previously.” These elements expertly shine through in pieces like Eclipse, depicting a woman in a vibrant orange dress lying across a bed. Childs takes inspiration from John William Godward’s Flaming June. 
The Calling, oil on panel, 30 x 20"
“Most of the ideas for my work begin with a simple inspiration,” says Childs, “and I let the idea guide me and let the painting concept form organically. For Reflection (a woman gazing at her own reflection as she clasps her dress), I didn’t have a specific idea in mind when I brought my model into the studio, except that I wanted to use the mirror in the painting. After trying many poses, I had her look into the mirror, and I loved the fact that you can’t actually see the real person, only her reflection. And it immediately reminded me of Vermeer’s [Girl with a Pearl Earring], but a different take on it.”
Eclipse, oil on linen, 48 x 36"
Taking inspiration from classic artists but interjecting his own twist is at the forefront of the new works. “For example,” says Childs, “I was inspired by those great paintings of the 19th century depicting the artist modeling in the studio as their subject. I’ve created a painting for this show, of a model in my studio taking a break between figure sessions checking her phone. Adding to this narrative, while no one is paying attention, a cat has just walked through my palette of colors leaving paw prints across all my new completed figure drawings. I enjoy adding an element of mystery in the work.”
The Exile of Psyche, oil on panel, 24"
Childs hopes that collectors will see paintings created from enjoyment. “Of course, I hope they [also] see skillful work, but more importantly, I hope they see a freshness and emotion that contains life to the work,” he furthers. “I’ve noticed that when
I stop trying so hard and just let it happen, that’s when my best work comes out.”
Collectors can visit Arcadia Contemporary from December 11 through December 31 to fully experience Child’s new collection. —
Arcadia Contemporary
421 W. Broadway • New York, NY 10012
(646) 861-3941 • www.arcadiacontemporary.com
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