Louche: Kevin Sabo
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RHODES is delighted to present Louche, a new solo exhibition by acclaimed American artist Kevin Sabo
Marking his UK debut, this series of new works continues in Sabo's distinctive, vibrant style. His exaggerated characters make tongue-in-cheek pop culture references and playfully mock traditional gender roles, creating a surreal world of satirical humour.
Kevin Sabo, born in 1992 in Virginia, is a Richmond-based painter renowned for his multi-media approach, incorporating acrylic, ink, spray, and collage. His work is characterised by exaggerated proportions and bold fashion elements, often juxtaposing corporate masculinity with playful, dominant feminine figures. Sabo's art has been featured in international solo exhibitions in New York City, Paris, Brussels, and San Francisco, and in publications such as Architectural Digest and Metal Magazine.
In Louche, Sabo expands upon his interest in drag culture and its intersection with the corporate world.
"The way I treat my male and 'female' characters helps crystallise the feelings I have about these figures within the larger political and social dynamics we’re seeing both in the U.S. and internationally. The way women and queer people are constantly being threatened with their rights, used as pawns in destructive conservative policy, is something I can't ignore."
His male figures, depicted as elongated businessmen, appear weightless and absurd, often caught in humorous scenarios that critique traditional masculinity. In contrast, his ladies exude freedom and confidence, engaging in everyday activities with unbothered poise. These dynamics serve to subvert conventional gender norms and highlight the resilience and joy inherent in queer expression.
Sabo describes his work as existing in the space between sophistication and playfulness; carefree and effortless on the surface, yet carrying a subtle, low-vibrational hum of something impending, something slightly off.
"There’s an ease in the imagery, but also a quiet tension, like a glamorous party where the air is just a little too thick, where something unsaid lingers beneath the surface."
He is drawn to iconic, universal gestures such as a woman smoking a cigarette or putting on lipstick, familiar moments that he distorts into his own visual language. These references become infused with a loose, lingering narrative; a slightly uneasy feeling of something darker under the surface.
"It all ties back to the word Louche, that infectious allure, something so captivating you can’t look away, even when you sense that something is amiss. It’s the beauty of indulgence with a shadow cast over it, an elegant unravelling."
Sabo's recent experimentation with materials has led to a more pronounced use of graphite, adding bold, scratchy lines and raw textures to his acrylic bases. This technique creates a lithograph-like effect, enriching the visual complexity of his compositions. He describes this evolution as an exciting development in his practice, offering a fresh perspective on his subjects.
Louche not only showcases Sabo's technical prowess but also his commitment to addressing pressing social and political issues. By infusing serious themes with humour and playfulness, he invites viewers to reflect on the challenges faced by women and queer individuals, while also celebrating the joy and resilience that define these communities.
Louche will be on display at RHODES 4th - 24th April 2025, with a Private View with the artist held on Thursday 3rd April, 6-8pm. Email info@rhodescontemporaryart.com for more information.
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Selected works
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Collecting
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