This Saturday night, alongside Naoto Hattori’s new solo (previewed), Matt Dangler (interviewed) will also be presenting a new collection of oil paintings collectively entitled Center Flame at Copro Gallery. Inspired by a mixture of zen, old masters and surrealism, the new work is best explained in his own words – “The goal for this show was simple: to remain present in the moment. Brush stroke by stroke a mantra was created… a meditative rhythm with no limits… opening windows that peer into conscious worlds, metaphors that explain awakening, suffering, euphoria… imagination created through unique filters. As my life situation unfolds, and my spiritual pursuit evolves… I search inward. Hidden between the mind’s thoughts of past and future is a fierce presence of the moment. It’s here I find the heart of Zen, a place beneath ego, a place of non identification… in fact, it’s not a “place” at all, it’s the presence we all are, the essence and energy our bodies all carry… the dreamer behind the thought… consciousness. It’s here at the center where the flame ignites, burning light out of darkness, to create “being” out of nothing, and you’ll “see” paintings in a whole new light… from the center flame.”

Discuss Matt Dangler here.