Expected press distribution date: between August 10 – 16
Contact Person: Grace Kim (toybinart@gmail.com)
Artist reception: Saturday August 17, 2024 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Toy Bin Art Presents med·i·cine – A Solo Exhibition by Nathaniel C. Praska
Los Angeles, CA — Toy Bin Art is thrilled to present “med-i-cine,” a solo exhibition curated by Grace Kim, featuring the debut of Portland-based artist Nathaniel C. Praska at the gallery. Running from August 3 to September 15, this exhibition showcases Nathaniel’s exploration through twelve black-and-white monotypes, capturing the essence of emotion rendered to plain expression.
In the “med-i-cine” series, Nathaniel C. Praska delves into reflections on abandoned rage, resonating with the societal and emotional turbulence of recent decades. Developed alongside his major works in painting and sculpture over the past year, this series allowed him to experiment with a different medium, focusing on a singular facial expression that reveals raw, unfiltered facets of simplified human feeling.
By repetitively exploring this expression, Nathaniel delves into the complexities of printmaking, uncovering subtle nuances that add depth to each piece. Though each monotype tells a distinct story, together they create a powerful and immersive experience. This body of work transcends individual pieces, occupying a vast intellectual and physical space that challenges viewers to confront their own emotional landscapes. It also invites audiences to engage with the dynamic interplay between rage and apathy, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and societal reflection.
The title “med-i-cine” plays on the dual meanings of “medicine”: both “a substance or preparation used in treating disease” and “the science and art dealing with the maintenance of health and the prevention, alleviation, or cure of disease.” Nathaniel’s work prompts introspection on whether ‘medicine’ serves as a remedy or a catalyst for broader societal issues, encouraging viewers to reconsider traditional perceptions of health, both personal and communal.
The series also reflects on the complex nature of medicine in our daily lives. Medicine is a constant presence, whether we are ill or not, raising questions about its role in genuinely healing our bodies. It is something many struggle to access or have found ways to misuse, as seen in the expanded opioid epidemic, which exploits a culture primed for addiction and despair.
Join us at Toy Bin Art to experience the complexities of “med-i-cine” through Nathaniel C. Praska’s evocative artworks. The exhibition opens on August 3 and runs through September 15. An artist reception will be held on August 17 from 6-9 PM, providing an opportunity to meet Nathaniel and engage directly with his creative process.
To view his larger paintings, visit Toy Bin Art at the Tryst International Art Fair in Torrance from August 23-25 at Del Amo Crossing.
nathanielcpraska.com
toybinart.com
Exhibition Details:
Gallery : Toy Bin Art
Exhibition title: med·i·cine
Curator: Grace Kim
Artist: Nathaniel C. Praska
Exhibition duration: August 3 – September 15, 2024
Artist Reception: August 17, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Toy Bin Art @ BlackMarket ( rear)
2060 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Admission: Free/open to public
For more information, please visit: https://toybinart.com
Press Contact: Grace Kim @curatorgraceykim
