FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DARREN WATERSTON's new paintings explore a mystical realm. Ghosts reflects the strong influence of WATERSTON's 2002 trip to Japan and in particular the animistic Shinto religion and its celebration of nature spirits. WATERSTON here limits himself to a controlled palette of warm and cool greys, whites and blacks for the suite of paintings.

WATERSTON notably leaves the more visceral bodily inspiration of his earlier works behind. Intent on creating a fictive space while maintaining an essentially abstract composition, WATERSTON invites the viewer to "wander" through the environment he creates which ranges from viscous liquid to airy fog. WATERSTON explores the physicality of his medium and its willful mutation and distortion of his original mark.

An illustrated catalogue with an essay by Jacquelynn Baas, Director Emeritus of University of California Berkeley Art Museum, is available in conjunction with this exhibition (24 pages, $20).

DARREN WATERSTON's works are included in distinguished public and private collections including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego; Fresno Art Museum; Long Beach Museum of Art. WATERSTON will be having a one-person exhibition at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, January 30 - May, 2004.

The exhibition will be on view at the Charles Cowles Gallery, 537 West 24^th Street, between 10^th and 11^th Avenues in Chelsea. Hours are 10am to 6pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

There will be a reception for the artist on Friday, November 14, from 5:30-7:30pm.

For further information or photographs, please contact the gallery.

Image: Gust, 2003, 60 x 60 inches, oil on wood panel