Sparks Gallery is pleased to show new work by artist Duke Windsor in his collection “Reflections”. Join us for the reception on Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 5-8pm

Duke Windsor’s success as a contemporary artist lies in his ability to infuse ordinary subject matter with his own ingenuity. Known for his predisposition to paint the crowded alleys of North Park, burgers dripping with grease, or trash cans put out to the curb, Windsor treats each with the reverence of a beloved relic. And to commemorate 30 years as a professional working artist in San Diego, this series, titled “Reflections”, focuses on the city’s streets. Each painting is gilded with lustrous gold leaf, a technique inspired by that used for old Russian icons. By delivering a kind of sacred designation to these secular, worldly scenes in his art, Windsor implores the viewer to rethink what is deemed as valuable and treasured in our everyday environment.

From the Artist:

“The exhibition ‘Reflections’ is a unique exploration of the liminal space between urban landscapes and spiritual introspection. Through large-scale acrylic paintings, I invite viewers to delve into the transformative power of Art in ordinary alleys. The gold leaf skies in these paintings symbolize a deep spiritual reverence within the solitude of the depicted spaces, offering a unique perspective on the familiar. This exhibit features several contemporary cityscapes and the work on display was created using acrylic, and imitation gold leaf. 

The artworks in this exhibition are a testament to the transformative power of light. As you move around the pieces, the illumination shifts, revealing new perspectives and changing the dynamics of the work. With meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful composition, I have captured the essence of overlooked alleys, turning them into portals of contemplation and tranquility. The golden skies that dominate these canvases serve as a metaphor for the divine presence that infuses even the most mundane corners of our world, urging us to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the everyday.

Why gold leaf?  GOLD is the color of extravagance, wealth, riches, and excess and shares several of the same attributes as yellow. Gold is a warm color that can be bright, cheerful, somber, and traditional. Its cousin, yellow, and the color brown is also associated with illumination, love, compassion, courage, passion, magic, and wisdom. In Art, the Golden Mean or Golden Ratio is the theory that the natural world has perfect symmetry by divine design.  Gold is a spiritual reverence held for ancient gods in worship. The Golden Rule in the Old Testament refers to the high standards of treating everyone equally. Gold is a symbol of divinity and is mentioned throughout the Bible. Pagan idols were often made from gold, and the Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-17). The gift of gold to the Christ child symbolized His divinity—God in the flesh. 

In “Reflections”, I hope to transcend mere representation, encouraging viewers to experience a sense of awe and wonder in the familiar. Imbuing my paintings with a spiritual depth challenges us to look beyond the surface of things and discover the hidden beauty within the ordinary and the unassuming. I consider the sacred in the seemingly profane to seek solace and inspiration in the most unexpected of places. My Art serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for transcendence in the humblest of surroundings. With each brushstroke, I invite you to embark on a journey of introspection and discovery, where the urban alley becomes a gateway to the divine, and the mundane becomes a source of wonder and reflection.”