Cuban-American artist Hernan Bas has spent the past year immersed in Venice, using the historic Italian city as the backdrop and its transient visitors as subjects for his latest body of work. Bas, known for his distinctive style that often features melancholic, almost ethereal young men, has been painting the tourists who populate the labyrinthine streets and canals, a somewhat ironic undertaking given his own position as a temporary resident.
Bas, originally from Miami, Florida, brings a unique perspective to the concept of mass tourism. Having grown up in a city that experiences high volumes of international visitors, he is acutely aware of the dynamics and implications of such an industry. This personal background likely informs his observations and interpretations of the Venetian tourist experience, which he has now translated onto canvas.
A recurring motif in Bas's oeuvre is his fascination with depicting pretty young white men, a thematic thread he acknowledges is inspired by literary figures such as J.D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield. He openly states that he paints the kind of people he is attracted to, creating a deeply personal lens through which his subjects are viewed. However, despite the aesthetic appeal of these figures, his portraits frequently possess a 'sinister edge', introducing an unsettling ambiguity that challenges conventional notions of beauty and innocence.
The artist's decision to base himself in Venice for an extended period suggests a deeper engagement with the city beyond that of a mere visitor. Indeed, Bas has reportedly even explored local property prices, indicating a potential longer-term connection to the locale. This extended stay has allowed him to observe and capture the nuances of Venice and its transient population in a way that a fleeting visit would not permit.
His latest works from Venice are expected to continue his exploration of themes such as youth, vulnerability, and latent darkness, filtered through the specific context of a global tourist destination. The juxtaposition of Venice's ancient beauty with Bas's often disquieting portrayals of its temporary inhabitants promises a compelling new chapter in his artistic journey.