Artist Alex Gardner presents his first solo exhibition in a decade, titled "Animals," at Perrotin in Los Angeles. The show features 13 new acrylic paintings populated by his signature faceless figures, which flow into and away from one another against rich blue and green backdrops. Works range from small 10-by-14-inch canvases to large 4-by-8-foot pieces, including "Big Toothy Grin," "Catapult," and "Headed to the Coffer." Gardner, who became a father of two during his hiatus, has shifted his thematic focus from existential malaise toward connection, optimism, and the beauty of human togetherness, now incorporating youthful figures as symbols of hope.
This exhibition matters because it marks a significant evolution in Gardner's practice, reflecting how personal life changes—specifically fatherhood—can transform an artist's worldview and output. By deliberately playing with ideas of race while resisting fixed identity, Gardner keeps his work intentionally open-ended, inviting viewers to project their own interpretations onto the faceless figures. The show's title "Animals" carries a dual meaning, referencing both our shared humanity and the raw, barbaric aspects of human nature. The exhibition runs through July 11, 2026, at Perrotin in Los Angeles, offering a rare opportunity to see a substantial body of new work from an artist who has not shown solo in ten years.