Christopher Hart Chambers

Crossing Art is proud to present Passages, a solo exhibition by acclaimed NYC-based artist Christopher Hart Chambers. This dynamic collection of paintings embodies a harmonious interplay of abstract expressionism and recognizable motifs, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a multisensory journey.

Well-known as the founder of Avant, an artist collective in 1980s New York City that championed art as a dynamic motion rather than a fixed style, Chambers profoundly influenced the evolution of street art. He reframed it as a theoretical and aesthetic choice, moving beyond perceptions of it as merely graphic or cartoonish. Chambers transformed the traditional context of fine art by installing his painted abstractions in unconventional urban spaces, from the streets of Soho to the Upper East Side. Unconstrained by space, his work reflects an enduring commitment to making art accessible and engaging for all viewers.

Building on his legacy of redefining artistic boundaries and accessibility, Chambers continues to push the limits of narrative and perception in Passages. Chambers’ works in "Passages" challenge conventional storytelling by placing the viewer at the heart of an abstract narrative. By incorporating motifs of landscapes and emblematic botanical elements—simplified depictions of flowers, trees, and leaves—the artist creates a stage for universal experiences. The deliberate absence of animal life directs focus to the audience, inviting them to become the protagonists of the unfolding drama, where their own memories and imaginations take the spotlight.

Inspired by the phenomenon of synesthesia, Chambers describes his work as a "smelling of colors, hearing of shapes" experience. Layers of translucent oil paint glazes create luminous depths, evoking a spectrum of sensations: transparent, iridescent mists suggest gentle fragrances; subtle breezes evoke sensations of temperature and humidity; and compositions defy traditional perspective, extending the illusionistic space beyond the canvas and enveloping the viewer in an idyllic subconscious environment.

The exhibition features works such as Candy Jungle (2024), a mesmerizing composition bursting with vibrant, overlapping foliage and whimsical patterns that transport viewers into a playful yet enigmatic world. Backyard (2024), a radiant and whimsical depiction of blossoming trees adorned with delicate blue flowers, set against a glowing background of fiery reds and warm yellows, invites viewers to immerse themselves in the joyous interplay of color and form, celebrating the beauty of nature’s simplicity. These works, alongside others, reflect Chambers' exploration of profound beauty—not merely in aesthetic terms but as an intuitive, emotional resonance.

Chambers’ artistic approach is as multifaceted as his influences. His creative process blends traditional techniques such as glazing, staining, and impasto with innovative methods inspired by sign painting and decorative arts, including hot rod and surfboard designs. Drawing from a rich tapestry of art history and global traditions, Chambers

seamlessly weaves elements from medieval illuminated manuscripts, Impressionism, Post- Impressionism, and African, Asian, and South American folk arts into his distinctive works.

Passages delivers more than a visual encounter; it invites viewers to engage deeply in a realm where art transcends the confines of the canvas. Each piece becomes a gateway to a deeply personal yet universal narrative, inspiring individuals to breathe life into their own stories within the evocative, immersive environments presented.

Christopher Hart Chambers (b. 1960, New York City) is a highly regarded NYC-based artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, and installation. Chambers has built a career defined by innovation and exploration, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artistic traditions and movements. He is best known as the founder of Avant, also known as the Avant Street Art Guerrilla Collective, an artist group active in New York City from 1980 to 1984. By 1984, Avant had created and disseminated thousands of acrylic-on-paper paintings, plastering them on walls, doors, bus stops, and galleries citywide. Other principal members of Avant included David Fried and Marc Thorne.