The Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery is again pleased to offer the spectacular works by Northwest Trompe L’Oeil painter Bill Braun.
The paintings by Braun are amazing feats of illusion. What initially appears to be the art project constructed by a third grader for a present to be taken home is in reality a masterful painting of acrylic on canvas. The subject matter of cut out construction paper flowers and paper doll trees appear to be adhered by masking tape and staples to a crinkled background of brown kraft paper. These are the tease that invites the viewer further.
Upon seeing the work for the first time, the viewer can easily and immediately dismiss what he sees as what it “probably” is. “Of course it’s not a painting, because why would you paint it” The definition of the work is superb and the likeness to real imagery is second only to the material itself. A second, third and frequently a fourth look is required to reassure ones self that what they are looking at isn’t really a collage.
There are several new twists to Braun's work this year and well worth a visit.