The angelic, mystical forms by artist Steven Daluz remind me of paintings from the 15th and 16th century. There is a sense of human emotion in the dramatic gestures and golden orange hues of each piece. He uses metal leaf, chemically-induced patinas, oil, and other mixed media to evoke the moody tones of his enigmatic subjects.
Daluz says, “I am compelled to do work that conjures up a sense of mystery and ethereal light. Collectively, my work often reflects upon primal questions about origins, the expressive beauty of the human figure, the aesthetic power of light moving through an imagined atmosphere, and the sublime.”
The California-born artist is inspired by the American art style, Luminism, which is characterized by glowing effects of light and a hazy atmosphere to produce tranquil, calm scenes. Combining these inspirations with his interest in the dramatic, he says his artwork has no definitive narrative and it is meant only to conjure feelings in response to the faceless figures. “For me, the pure ‘beauty’ or personal aesthetic of art need not explain anything,” explains Daluz. “At its best, the raw image alone can be enough to pose questions and ignite the imagination of the viewer.”
