Jose Parla: Broken Language at Haunch of Venison - London

Haunch of Venison presents its first solo exhibition of New York-based artist Jose Parla. Born in Miami of Cuban parents artist Jose Parla’s vibrant works explore the multi-layered histories of cities and urban environments; his paintings and site-specific installations are created both in his large carriage house studio and also works outside throughout city surfaces. His expressive painting style and layers of ephemera and found objects combined with calligraphic abstraction have a lyrical feel to them, are uniquely his. This exhibition presents new paintings, works on paper, photographs and sculptures throughout the three gallery spaces. Parla’s work acts as a record of his journeys through streets that he navigates, using a map of one city to direct you through another. He documents his city walks through photographs as well as at times collecting detritus from the streets. Once back in the studio they are used to build the composition of each painting. Language and writing are key themes within Parla’s work. He often incorporates layers of text from street posters he collects while traveling. His own stylized calligraphy is worked into and on the surface of each painting.