Ryan Hewett’s “New Paintings” at Unit London

11 works of brooding portraiture and figurative anatomy

A geometric extension of the eerie, abstract portraiture that South African painter Ryan Hewett presented at Unit London back in 2016, New Paintings sees 11 provocative pieces take the spotlight. Hewett’s fourth exhibition with the gallery broadens the artist’s subject matter to include complex, figurative anatomy. Together, layers of tone and form birth colorful characters that truly captivate. Hewett’s latest happens to also mark the occasion of Unit London’s one year …

The Elusive Smile in Art History

It’s a common misconception that the reason subjects in portraits of yesteryear didn’t smile is because of unappealing looking teeth. In fact, the reason is quite logical: smiling for hours on end is awkward and straining for models. In an essay on the topic, writer Nicholas Jeeves says, “A smile is like a blush. It is a response, not an expression per se, and so …

Blood Cultures: Best For You

Blending together glitchy vocal samples and dark electronic, Blood Culture’s “Best For You” is a triumphant second single from the band’s forthcoming album, Oh Uncertainty! A Universe Despairs. The group has been relatively absent since their 2017 debut record, Happy Birthday, but they’ve been teasing a return since the release of “Flowers For All Occasions” earlier this year. As mysterious as the band may be, …