Seen: Andrew Brandou – In the Garden of Mystic

Marking an aesthetic transition, Andrew Brandou opened his ‘In the Garden of Mystic’ solo on Halloween (10.31) @ Corey Helford gallery.  While most shows are hung according to color, size or visual coherence – this show is hung with a general narrative in mind, starting in the upper floor of the gallery proceeding down and then around to the main wall.  The pieces represent a personal and aesthetic journey – from the confines of physical existence to the psychedelic.

The first half of the show feature’s Brandou’s Bunny alter-ego in perhaps the youngest form we’ve seen. Andrew commented that his intent was to make this rendition of the Bunny the ‘cutest as possible’.  The result is a series of irresistibly compelling pieces.

The second half of the show marks a considerable aesthetic departure from Brandou’s previous figurative work.  Flowers and plant life transition from background to foreground – Bunnies and Skulls appear out of what first glance appears to be a floral arrangement.  Words and symbols lurk subtly awaiting the keen-eyed viewer.

This new body of work is indicative of Brandou’s future direction, paintings that abstractly mask their figurative underpinnings.   While we’ve always appreciated Brandou’s cleanly rendered Bunny, in our opinion the emergent floral Bunny is even more impressive and alluring in that it straddles two aesthetics and does so quite well.  While perhaps not yet in the spotlight, Andrew Brandou continues to create excellent work.  Be sure to check out In the Garden of Mystic which offers an excellent introduction both to his existing body of work as well as a glimpse of his intended new direction.  See the official preview page on Corey Helford’s website for piece availability.

Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310.287.2340