Chris Silva: Solo Show in SF...

"The Church Of Wife, Wuv & Waughter"
at Gallery Three, January 17th through February 7th.

“Dirty Hippie & Uptight Yuppie Meet Somewhere In The Middle And Make Yippee”
30" x 30" Latex & Acrylic Paints on Canvas

Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh believed, "We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness.” Chris Silva lives a life that gives priority to following his creative muse while contributing positively to the evolution of the collective. He sees the collective’s consciousness as infinitely more important than the individual’s ego. For the past several years, Silva has been deeply involved in community and city public art programs. In 2004 Silva was awarded a major public art commission by the Chicago Transit Authority to create a mosaic reading “AMOR” on the Blue Line’s California Station. A couple years later he led a city-funded, block long mural in Chicago’s loop that said “You Are Beautiful”, and more recently he’s had an ornate drawing made of water cut steel erected on Seattle’s Sound Transit System. In addition to these larger city-sanctioned works Silva has contributed greatly to Chicago’s street art scene through a multitude of unsolicited public embellishments upon the cityscape.

Chris Silva’s art is a diary of his commitment to humanity, relationships, and nature. The playful collection of work in "The Church Of Wife, Wuv & Waughter" strives to facilitate spiritually enriching interactions between themes of love and humor. Aiming to foster an artistic presence and participate in the evolution of conversation about humanity, environment, development, and consumer culture.

Through his art and community involvement, Silva addresses the need for positive social change with graffiti-infused lyrical pieces, bringing a bit of warmth and kindness to the city. His personal explorations in music, art, and design have produced a poetic yet ambiguous collection of work. Drawing upon rich surfaces, textures, and decay with lyrical, calligraphic marks and strongly defined lines, his organic style of mixed media encourages creative reuse through his playful compositions of found objects and materials. The new works featured in "The Church Of Wife, Wuv & Waughter" are a bit different from work in his previous shows due to the inclusion of more paintings on canvas and an expansion of his approach to image making. Of the 13 pieces exhibited at Gallery Three, 4 are done in collaboration with his new wife, Lauren Feece. The stunning bright bold colors and romantic lines amidst urban substance, collage and painting seem to reflect the theme of new love.

With hopes to inspire kindness and consideration while providing amusement, "The Church Of Wife, Wuv & Waughter" offers a unique collection of work to encourage the perceptual and spiritual evolution of the general public.

"The Church Of Wife, Wuv & Waughter" new works by Chris Silva is on display at Gallery Three from January 17th through February 7th 2009. Opening reception on Saturday, January 17th 2009 from 7pm until 11pm, and is open to the public. Gallery hours vary so please call to make an appointment for viewing.