Currently on show at the Espace Robert Poulin is the local artist Daniel Erban. For over three decades Erban has created a distinctive and original body of work that is both strong and visually captivating. His collection consists of prints, drawings and paintings, many of which are done on a grand scale.

Erban has been quoted as saying that his work “scratch at the viewer’s retina and bleeds into their conscience”. His work incorporates violence and violent gestures while exploring the dark compulsions of the human soul through the representation of loosely drawn shadowy figures that creep about on the canvas engaging profane acts of consciousness.

One of the first things that you notice about the artist is that he puts his name on many of his pieces. The name “Daniel” is front and centre sometimes calling attention away from the figures in the space. While this act is often seen as taboo by other artists, Erban feels that he should not hide the fact that he is the creator of his own work.

Espace Robert Poulin has put together a stunning collection of Erban’s work for this show. The most impressive piece in this collection is a large scale work where Erban has used tape and then painted over it in black to create straight jutting lines that are austere and powerful. Within this canvas, one of the two figures is crying out with shark-like teeth draped in red paint which alludes to blood and horrific pain.

In some of the other pieces in the show, Erban has experimented with colour by using coloured canvas and painting over it with black. While the colour is somewhat muted, its powerful impact is no less diminished as Erban imprints nightmarish figures in the space. The use of colour and black are expertly juxtaposed.

One of the more memorable pieces in the collection is a canvas that is originally shocking pink. Erban has then applied black paint with precisioned lines to create a human head that is reminiscent of an African mask replete with exaggerated facial features and organic patterns. All of this is then mounted in a classical wood frame with gold filigree. Absolutely devastating… but in a good way.

The artist does not apologize for his effect on the viewer. In fact he is fully engaged in shaking you up with his irreverent use of the colour black and his inks that run like blood across distorted scenes. Erban has clearly stated that he abhors “pretty art” and has made it his mission to charge forth in the opposite direction to lift the veil of the world unseen. With his work Erban says come hither as you approach the canvas. You know what is on the other side but curiosity gets the better of you and then the horrors of this duplicitous world are forever burned in your mind’s eye.

Espace Robert Poulin, space 411
DANIEL ERBAN
September 22 – November 3, 2012
www.espacerobertpoulin.com