New General Catalog is pleased to present An Observing List of "Not-Found" Objects, Jason Irwin’s first solo exhibition in New York City. Included in this show are a series of color-saturated new paintings on clear acrylic glass. Painted from the back using automotive paint, these geometrically shaped panels employ a disciplined trompe l’oeil process that leaves one second guessing what they see. Real depth and light play are mixed with transparent areas of glass and Irwin’s convincing array of shadows, rigid overlapping shapes, beveled edges, and splattered bits of paint.

At their essence, these works – some rest on the ground while others hang on the wall -, are pure representational paintings that experiment with space, color, and basic, recognizable form. Their logic lay in the meeting points between a more objective reality and manipulated perception, where these same elements exist undefined, suggested by what is “not-found.” Thus there is a sense of conceptual buoyancy, where the rigors of mind and process defer to the thin layers of paint gradations, spots, and “specimens” that suspend themselves behind glass. Several pieces resemble “windows” of varying design whose frames and edges hint at 3-dimensionality, but once again are thwarted by their flattened substance.

Irwin’s sleek, pristine paintings also remind one of machine manufacturing, and the industrial signs that are equated with company logos or corporate emblems. This may owe some to the Indiana speedway, where the artist harbors fascination for racing cars and their laser-cut decals, high tech engineering, and glossy paint jobs.

Jason Irwin was born in Muncie, Indiana. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the University of South Florida. Irwin currently lives and works in Brooklyn.

For images and further information, please contact Trong G. Nguyen at the email or number below. Also check the website (www.newgeneralcatalog.com) for details, updates, and directions to the gallery. Many thanks to Brooklyn Brewery and Digital Society for their generous support.