Indeed, the hyper-realist painting style will certainly captivate and astound the viewer. The painstaking detail draws you into the picture as you attempt to disentangle the overlap between painting and photographic techniques. The illusion partly explained through his method of tracing images from photographic projections - a precedent previously exploited through the use of a camera obscura, by among others, Vermeer and Caneletto.
However, the exquisite control of the paint seduces the viewer into a false sense of security, as the vivid representation of the children demonstrates a worldly awareness that belies their tender age. Expressions range from melancholic to near comatose, unsettlingly ecstatic to the distraught. The complex gamut of human emotion means, that yes, these young people are engaging for the spectator. But also, the overtones are distinctly menacing and at times, make for uncomfortable viewing.
Runs until October 7th