Hey fellas,

LeBasse Projects is opening three distinct exhibitions on one evening at July 17th.

In Gallery I Melissa Haslam from Australia will present her solo show ʻBotanicaʼ. Haslam has based her recent paintings on the relationship between humans and the natural world. Specifically focused on interrupted cycles of life, her figures surrender to nature and allow themselves to be overtaken by the wild and lush landscape that the artist so beautifully creates. In ʻBotanica,ʼ Haslam continues to explore her fascination between the idea of femininity and nature. As flowers and roots take over the canvas, her figures react as reminders of our symbiotic relationship with nature. Her female characters take on animal characteristics – sometimes playing aggressively and other times placid. In the animal world this kind of playfulness becomes preparation for the violence that is needed for survival, a primitive state of existence that is present in human nature but disguised by civilization.

ʻSavage Justice,ʼ a solo exhibition by Morgan Slade will be shown in Gallery II. Slade creates one of a kind mixed media paintings. Altering his own digital photographs of scantily clad women with paint, pen, pencil and collage he transforms straightforward images to chaotic madness. His pieces prey on primitive natural instincts with a youthful aesthetic appeal and bright, vibrant colors. By defacing exceptionally attractive people, Slade aesthetically changes his figures to appear flawed in some manner. He creates visual metaphors of consumerism, advertising and technology by inventing his own symbols or by appropriating familiar icons. For ʻSavage Justiceʼ Slade goes one step further by collaborating with iconic designer Betsey Johnson. This exhibition was shot on location in the Betsey Johnson flagship store in Los Angeles utilizing clothing and models from Johnsonʼs own line.

In the Project Room, Portland based J. Shea will exhibit ʻLife Formʼ  - a series of sculptural work combining clay and mixed media. Sheaʼs narratives are filled with visions of life, love, fear, and hope that are influenced by folk art, assemblage & street art.

It´s not to be missed!

Gallery I: Melissa Haslam :: ʻBotanicaʼ

Gallery II: Morgan Slade :: ʻSavage Justiceʼ

Project Room: J.Shea :: ʻLife Formʼ

July 17th – August 7th 2010 Artist reception: Saturday, July 17th, 7-10p