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MelonMelonTangerine Explores the Western U.S. From the Outside In

01.19.21 | By
MelonMelonTangerine Explores the Western U.S. From the Outside In

For his second solo exhibition at Friedman Benda gallery, British artist Jonathan Trayte shares the surreal MelonMelonTangerine. Trayte reflected on a recent road trip through the western United States, translating his outsider perspective of the American landscape and pointing out how we perceive and use natural resources.

Color is so important as a means of persuasion, persuading people to consume in particular kinds of ways, or in appealing to specific social groups. I create synthetic painted veneers and compositions of materials that either reflect or distort this language; they’re like skins of paint or textures that create a kind of chameleon appearance.

sculpture

Atomic Double

Trayte’s memories of sedimentary rock formations, Joshua trees, lichens, silver cholla cacti and prickly pears allowed him to reimagine these natural forms as highly stylized pieces of art. The otherworldly botanical garden he’s made is a layered collage of colors, materials, forms, textures and techniques that won’t soon be forgotten.

sculpture

Black Dakota

chair

bONZA

light fixtures

Desert Lights

settee

Grass Green Settee

sculpture

Jelly Baby

lounge

Kula Sour

chair

Lemon Bug

seating

MelonMelonTangerine

sculpture

Orange Foam Cola Moon 1

sculpture

Orange Foam Cola Moon 2

sculpture

Surf Candy

mobile art

Velvet Solar Star

MelonMelonTangerine will be on view at Friedman Benda in New York from February 15th through March 13th, 2021.

Photos courtesy Friedman Benda and Jonathan Trayte.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.