William Mortensen

In the DUMBO arts area of Brooklyn at 111 Front Street you will find The Stephen Romano Gallery spaces. Romano is passionate about art that comes from a dark perspective, pieces often originating from magical thinking with elements that embody diabolical, grotesque and horrific modes of expression. Currently he has three artists in his main space. First are the exquisite, one-of-a-kind prints by William Mortensen. His pieces are small in size and meticulously wrought with imagery that sweeps from the romantic to the ghastly. Viewing them in person one can contemplate the subtle, painterly aspects of these remarkable prints. Romano includes copies of the books that Mortensen published during his life, a rare mask that he created, and one of his cameras, all for close viewing. This is a must see for anyone with a penchant for infernal masterworks especially as these images that arose from Mortensen’s pictorial philosophy deeply influenced Anton Szandor LaVey. In the two attached subsidiary spaces you’ll find Rick Garrett’s “Earth Magic” series, prints embodying pagan femininity nestled amongst demonic sigils painted directly on the walls which delicately invoke dreaded forces. Finally there are a few well-selected prints by Lu Zhang that also have great subtlety and sensuality whether they are self-portraits or landscapes. In a separate space you’ll be delighted to experience a veritable ritual chamber of a group show entitled “In Missa Interfectionis: The Dance of Death, Hexes, Voodoo, Curses and Witchcraft.” This sabbath of fascinating objects includes images, sculptures and even historical books exploring many personal interpretations of how Hellish forces might be perceived to impinge on the consciousness of mankind.These extraordinary pieces will be up until the end of November, so if you can make the journey to Brooklyn, you will be rewarded with a truly memorable visual feast. Romano also publishes handsome catalogs, so take the time to pick up books documenting these and earlier exhibitions. I suspect that those who read our announcements will find that following the exhibitions that Romano curates with such fine-tuned fervor may find many more to come which will prove to be alluring, challenging, and fulfilling for those with a taste for the shadowed vistas of inner darkness. Additionally, Mortensen aficionados can treat themselves to two volumes recently released by Feral House: —Magus Peter H. Gilmore

William Mortensen

STEPHEN ROMANO GALLERY

The Glamor of Grammar

Now available: Mortensen’s THE COMMAND TO LOOK