Nate Lowman's Angel paintings are a fascinating series that delve into the exploration of popular culture and iconography. These works, part of his broader oeuvre, reflect his engagement with familiar motifs and their underlying cultural significance.
The Angel paintings often feature the image of angels, which Lowman uses to juxtapose themes of innocence and sanctity with more complex, sometimes darker, aspects of contemporary life. These pieces are rendered using various techniques, including latex on canvas, which gives them a distinctive, almost ethereal quality. For instance, "First Untitled Angel Painting" from 2017 exemplifies Lowman's ability to blend high art with everyday imagery, creating a compelling narrative that speaks to both the divine and the mundane (Artsy).
Lowman's use of angels can be seen as part of his broader interest in how symbols and images from popular culture can be recontextualized to comment on modern society. In exhibitions such as "Before and After" at the Aspen Art Museum, his angel paintings were displayed alongside other works featuring hearts, smiley faces, and iconic celebrities, highlighting the pervasive influence of media and consumer culture on our perceptions of these symbols (Aspen Art Museum).
Through his angel paintings, Lowman continues to explore the boundaries between the sacred and the profane, using familiar motifs to challenge viewers' preconceptions and encourage deeper reflection on the images that permeate our culture. These works are a testament to his skill in blending critical commentary with visual appeal, making them a significant part of his artistic practice (David Zwirner) (Aspen Art Museum).