Opening on Saturday, November 22nd at KP Projects in Los Angeles, California is artist Eric Nash's exceptional solo exhibition of new charcoal drawings, "West of Heaven."

West of Heaven is a series of photorealistic charcoals that capture the subtle, surreal, and subliminal allure of California culture. Nash’s signature visual vocabulary references the atmosphere and minimalism of the Light and Space Movement (originating in Southern California in the 1960’s), crafting an enticing drama that is born from the contrast between light and dark, the divine and the material.

“West of the wealth, the action, prestige and glamour are lonely places that are overlooked or ignored. No roads paved in gold here but rather pawn shops that buy gold. It’s quietly beautiful. Simple desires, yearning, lust, and dreams transcend harsh realities. Small moments of truth are documented. This is where I live and what I draw in charcoal, the most elemental, ancient and dramatic of mediums. Here is the contrast of life and light in the shadows West of Heaven.” – Eric Nash

Nash’s creative process is ritualistic, a sacramental quality where the act of observing is felt. Each image originates as a photograph shot by the artist, which is then meticulously drawn in charcoal on thick, smooth, 33 x 44 inch sheets 120lb Stonehenge paper. Here, the mundane is celebrated and imbued with reverence.

“At a very young age, I learned to see beauty and soul in the mundane. Years later my journey drew me to the California desert where I now live - a vast expanse of desire and dreams. I feel at home. These drawings are visual poems to these feelings and places, the reason I am an artist.” – Eric Nash