Seen: Rob Sato — ‘The Open End’

LA artist Rob Sato opened ‘The Open End’ on Saturday evening in Gallery #1 @ Copro in Santa Monica.  Ruminating on the uncertain and hectic nature of the next moment, the next space we’ll find ourselves in, Rob offered a large collection of new watercolor on paper works as well as a few drawings.  In playing with scale and offering an extremely high level of detail for the watercolor medium, Sato’s work offers several levels of expression – the macro to several often subtle micro interpretations.

While we came away impressed with several of the new watercolor pieces, the centerpiece of the show, ‘Ghost Ride’ is perhaps our favorite.  Reaching nearly 90” across, the piece blends multiple time periods to depict a wild reflection on the often hectic, chaotic and even dangerous nature of travel.  The real strength of this piece is that at first glance, the work seems to be a curious yet decidedly contemporary piece.  However, for the patient and discriminating viewer, the surreal elements, subtler than in many of his pieces, make themselves available.

If you’ve never seen Sato’s work in person, this show makes for an excellent introduction.  For artwork availability, be sure to visit the gallery’s official show page.

Rob Sato || ‘The Open End’
Through: Saturday, September 3rd 2011

Copro
Bergamot Station
7525 Michigan Ave T5
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310.829.2156