Vaughn Spann’s Dynamic “The Heat Lets us Know We’re Alive” Exhibit at Almine Rech

In the Upper East Side outpost of the Almine Rech gallery, New Haven-based artist Vaughn Spann presents 12 distinct works that converse with one another and the space itself. Oscillating between abstract and figurative painting (with swathes of mixed media nuance), the body of work (all made in 2019) tackles dualism, identity and the human experience. Entitled The Heat Lets us Know We’re Alive, the sold-out exhibition (on now through 22 February) marks another milestone for the painter as it demonstrates his ability to captivate across numerous artistic styles.

For the sake of categorization, one can classify these stylistic explorations into three styles: dualist portraiture, abstract X pieces, and purely textural works. “I’m deeply invested in pluralism,” Spann says. “I feel most engaged when I allow my practice to steer me in directions I need to go, whether the works have a relationship or not isn’t as interesting to me.” While he believes that’s up to the viewer, he does see a connection running between all the works.

“Ideas for new paintings can come from a plethora of sources,” he continues. “Sometimes I might be referencing a place I’ve traveled, a conversation I’ve had; other times it could be a book that I’m reading or even something I saw someone wearing down the street. I like to keep things open. I’m consistently centering both real and imagined spaces as a way of conjuring poetry and metaphor for these black bodies.” And that’s another through-line of all the pieces: an undeniable poetry.

Hero image courtesy of Almine Rech New York

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