San Francisco, CA (June 18, 2024) - Schlomer Haus Gallery is pleased to present Distant Charm, a solo show from artist Logan T. Sibrel that explores the fragility and allure of selfhood.
This collection marks a profound exploration inspired by a chance encounter with a vast photo archive that ignited reflections on the construction and presentation of self in our modern world.
Several years ago, Sibrel was invited to visit a photo archive that housed thousands, if not millions, of found and purchased snapshot photos from across the globe, meticulously cataloged by events or subjects such as a red umbrella, a birthday party, or a circus elephant. Each image, frozen in time, spoke of a universal endeavor—people crafting their identity and presenting it to the world. This encounter left an indelible impression on Sibrel, reshaping his perspective on selfhood and its transient nature. "Seeing these images cataloged in this way…had an effect on how I think of selfhood, how we craft it, and how we present it to others. And it cemented within me the sense that this endeavor is endearing and its product quite flimsy. We’re building with, more or less, the same raw materials.," reflects Sibrel.
Through a deeply personal and diaristic approach to painting, Sibrel captures moments observed, overheard, and imagined, reconfiguring life's narratives with a tender, deliberate touch. The intimacy of closely cropped figures juxtaposed with anonymity invites viewers to contemplate their own connections to the narratives unfolding within the artwork.
In Distant Charm, Sibrel presents a selection of works that delve into the artist's own life—names like "FRANCIS, MEG, PIER PAOLO" and "TUB" hint at personal stories and relationships intertwined with broader themes of identity and existence. Each painting serves as a testament to the artist's contemplative process, a quiet record of care amidst the noise of contemporary life.
For Sibrel, painting is a contingency plan— a tangible expression when words fail to capture the essence of experience. Distant Charm challenges viewers to reconsider their own perceptions of self and identity, prompting introspection through art that is both welcoming and disquieting. By cataloging personal artifacts and mundane moments, Sibrel not only scrutinizes his own persona but extends an invitation for others to do the same.
Distant Charm opens Friday, June 28, 2024 at Schlomer Haus Gallery. For more information, visit www.schlomerhaus.com
About Logan T. Sibrel
Logan T. Sibrel (b. 1986 Jasper, Indiana) graduated with a BFA from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2009 and an MFA from Parsons New School of Design in 2011. He lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.
Logan T. Sibrel explores intimate moments, often at close proximity. Despite the specificity of the scenes, the subjects depicted remain largely unrecognizable, creating a tension between the feeling of closeness and the frequent anonymity of the figures. Sibrel repeatedly incorporates references to queer life, specific places, songs or books that he associates with the scenes. His works, on one hand, convey closeness and intimacy, yet they remain elusive and fleeting.
His works tell fragmented stories that build an emotional connection with the viewer through their authenticity, intimacy, and vulnerability. The works are often sexual in tone, but the artist is not concerned with an erotic representation. Rather, the sexuality, which varies in degree, becomes a medium for addressing interpersonal relationships, longings, and disappointments.
About Schlomer Haus Gallery
Schlomer Haus Gallery, located in San Francisco, is deeply committed to providing a platform for next-gen and mid-career queer artists. The gallery’s objective is to amplify diverse voices and perspectives through the compelling works of underrepresented and emerging artists. SHG is dedicated to nurturing and promoting the vibrant creativity of these artists, fostering a space where their voices can resonate and inspire.
SHG has exhibited works by Clifford Prince King, Zackary Drucker, Matt Lipps, Chloe Sherman, Kostis Fokas, Jun Yang, Colin J. Radcliffe and Kevin Sabo.
