Uncanny and Sexy: a Review of @space.mantis
Today, I’m veering into slightly different territory than usual. Usually, I review albums and songs, but I’ve been presented with an instagram full of art to yammer about and I couldn’t be more excited. Ranging from sketches to fully-fleshed works, Steef explores the uncanny, the sexy, and the fluid nature of existence through morphing shapes and colors. There are nods at familiar art movements, like Dada, Cubism, and Surrealism, but Steef creates from their own distinct perspective, creating works that are fantastical, jarring, and lovely.
There are many styles expressed by Steef. As one scrolls, they encounter both jagged demons and calming sunsets. The use of color throughout the works presented is gorgeous. Every piece, even simple line drawings, feels lit from within. Queerness and beingness blend together and spread their tendrils across the canvas. I tend to be better at talking about music as opposed to art, but, being both a musician and a visual artist, I appreciate how Steef uses movement so expertly across their works, granting time to their pieces.
This is not your “typical” art insta. Usually, we see people fawn over photorealism and gorgeous and/or banal scenery. Though there is nothing invalid about that kind of art, it’s refreshing to see some expertly executed “weird” art. It’s fresh, passionate, unapologetic, and fun. I encourage you to go take a look right now and give Steef some love.
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