CLEVELAND DEAN
UNLEARN
December 19, 2008 – January 10, 2009
Greatly influenced by American Abstract Expressionist painting, Cleveland Dean has found his individual practice centered in the disciplines of painting and drawing. His paintings focus on spontaneity and expression of the unconscious. Their physical quality and the use of mainly black and white put emphasis on their materiality and texture. The paintings have a gestural presence, accentuated by the intensity of his mark making.
In his most recent exhibition, “Unlearn”, Cleveland Dean incorporates text and visual metaphor to confront current social issues. Questioning freedom, ignorance and complacency, Cleveland Dean pushes the boundaries of his artistic practice and viewer’s expectations.
