Shades from White to Black
by Paul Gost

Gate. Charcoal on Paper, 2009.

"Shades from White to Black," John Hrehov's recent exhibit at Denise Bibro Fine Art, presented ten of the artist's charcoal drawings, each evoking his signature interest in the theme of man coexisting with nature. Hrehov uses shades of white, black, and gray, focusing specifically on urban settings – juxtaposing patterns onto the surface to represent elements of wind, rhythm and sound.

The artist's works all exhibit interesting angles through his use of poetic dimension. Hrehov describes his drawings as representations of a harmony between and nature and man. "The symmetry and pattern create a strong sense of order and beauty. The absence of color enhances the drama of these unique forces. Man is present but in a minimal or implied sense." In the artist's work titled Castle Keep, Hrehov renders rigid rows of bricks through overlapping pattern to form the wall of a castle, contrasted by a background of soft clouds.

The artist's use of black and white amplifies the drama of these two very different elements. Utilizing the pointillist technique and creating juxtaposition between patterns, Hrehov brings life to the surface of each of his drawings.

Castle Keep. Charcoal on Paper, 2009.

This article was originally published in 2012 in NY Arts Magazine in New York, NY.