RICHARD AHNERT

CREATURE OF HABIT

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September 1st - October 1st, 2023

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Arch Enemy Arts is thrilled to present CREATURE OF HABIT, an anthropomorphic array of 8 oil on canvas paintings by Toronto artist, Richard Ahnert. 

 

This series displays subtle-yet-fantastical visual poems of animals, in domestic settings or hybrid fashion, participating in ordinary human behavior. Whether taking a moment for reflection or seeking entertainment, perusing the fridge or nursing a hangover, Ahnert’s working with narrative fauna follows a lifelong intrigue in fusing wildlife with the human form. In this collection, the artist takes inspiration from “old family photos, memories, and personal objects,” leaning heavily into mid-century modern aesthetics. Aiming to stir a sense of nostalgia and hope within the viewer, Richard writes:

 

“I'm inviting viewers to contemplate their own experiences and find solace in a familiar memory.

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Each piece tells a story by capturing a moment, a mood, or a personality that I can relate to on some level. Despite our best efforts to grow, change, or forget, we often find ourselves in the exact same situation we've been trying to avoid.”

 

Beyond a mere theme, Ahnert’s skill and execution support the content of his works; The presence of mark, the soft haze, and depth of focus all contribute to the translation of collective memory into static images. The developed nature of his subjects and their surroundings, their specificity and tangible character, make these works as believable as they are relatable. This juxtaposition of the naturalistic and the absurd provide a surrealist edge, while Richard’s playful wit brings us open-armed into Creature of Habit’s alluring warmth.

 

Richard Ahnert studied Technical Illustration and Graphic Design at York University and Seneca College, and has since been exhibiting work in the US and Canada beginning in 2010. CREATURE OF HABIT is the artist’s second solo show with Arch Enemy Arts, following 2021’s Date Night. 

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- Alex Medlin II

 

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CREATURE OF HABIT will be on view from September 1st - October 1st, 2023.
Sold works will begin to ship the week starting October 8th, unless other rush arrangements have been made.

Items marked with a red dot have already been sold.

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