Chris Coy | Jurassic

by Larry Armstrong-Kizzee

Marking their second exhibition with the Anat Ebgi gallery, this saturday, July 20th, from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Chris coy presents the first look at his series titled Transfermaster-C . True to its title, the works are all a result of what Coy describes as a process of “Happy Accidents” by which an Artificial Intelligence transfer program receives artworks from the Rococo and Baroque art movements, and is prompted to chart those influences onto Francisco Goya’s Disasters of War etchings. The resulting juxtaposition of gaudy color scheme upon gory war scenes is then presented to Coy, with which the artist paints them in oil onto linen canvases, and illustrates them in graphite on paper in others.

Chris Coy, Transfermaster-C-001, 2018, Oil on linen, 21 x 27.25 x 2" [HxWxD] (53.34 x 69.21 x 5.08 cm) Courtesy the artist and Anat Ebgi

Chris Coy, Transfermaster-C-001, 2018, Oil on linen, 21 x 27.25 x 2" [HxWxD] (53.34 x 69.21 x 5.08 cm) Courtesy the artist and Anat Ebgi

With a focus on the art-making process, this exploration of the possibilities of creation within the expanse of artificial intelligence proposes two things: a study of its capabilities as well as a brief insight into its ability to corrupt our sense of reality. And while the process is key to understanding the resulting piece, the finished product seems to presents an equally disturbing feeling, as even Coy describes engaging with the series to “feel as if the soul of the world has been sucked into the vacuum of space.”

Chris Coy, FRAG-412, 2018, Graphite on paper, framed 20 x 16.5" [HxW] (50.8 x 41.91 cm) Courtesy the artist and Anat Ebgi

Chris Coy, FRAG-412, 2018, Graphite on paper, framed 20 x 16.5" [HxW] (50.8 x 41.91 cm) Courtesy the artist and Anat Ebgi

By being aware of the controversial and at some points unsettling nature of this exhibition, Coy decided to name it Jurassic. Explaining his logic, Coy adds "like Richard Attenborough’s character in Jurassic Park, I know there’s something untenable about what I’m doing, but the pace of the vanguard is never one for much caution, especially lately.”



Jurassic will be on view at Anat Ebgi/AE2 2660 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034, from July 20 – August 24, 2019

Opening reception Saturday, July 20, 5-7 pm