Heavily
influenced by The Decadence period of literature, Hernan Bas’s
paintings are inspired by well-worn pages of Wilde and Huysmans.
“Why does homosexuality seem to make you pre-disposed
to liking these things?” Bas questions. “As a
result this work is tainted with Saint Sebastian martyr types,
dying dandies and peacock feathers, all the materials that
dictate a certain queer vocabulary." Bas’ style
of painting emulates linguistic flourish. Impassioned brushwork
and pastel hues bloom with poetic description; environments
are set with the divine ambience of transience. Confined by
fanciful etiquette, Bas’ figures allude to darker sentiments.
Their posed innocence is but a thin veil of gentlemanly decorum.