So What's Going On With Austin Romanaux

The weekend of May 5th, I had the pleasure of covering the Montclair Film Festival for NewJerseyStage.com. I've reviewed new films on my blog in the past, and I love a good film festival where I get a peek at movies most might not see for a few months. So I gleefully expected to "discover" wonderful works of art that would impress and provoke me. But little did I know that while working on my reviews in the local Cafe Mocha, I would stumble across another gem of the art world that would do the same thing. And his name is Austin Romanaux.

Although I only wandered across his path earlier this month, Austin Romanaux's solo exhibition at Gallery 491 has been on display since March 9th. And sadly, it closes this Friday, May 18th. So just in case you can't make it to the 491 or you don't live in my neck of the woods, take a gander at the images I captured of Romanaux's "So, What's Going On?" exhibit below.

It seems almost trite to call Romanaux's work striking or captivating, but those are the first words that come to mind when I saw his first painting and gravitated towards it. At first glance, his work feels bold, almost alarming. But as you move to focus on the details and complexity of each piece, your senses no longer feel besieged, but enticed.

Honestly, nothing I say can truly do this young whippersnapper's work justice. You just have to see it for yourself. This is his first solo exhibition, but I highly doubt it will be his last. He is only 19 years old after all. So if you don't get a chance to visit this showcase, keep an eye out for his name for future exhibitions. You won't be disappointed.

Which one is your favorite?