Lament by J. Steven Patton; Oil on Canvas, 2023. Photo by J. Steven Patton

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Have you ever seen an animal in a cloud or a face in a rock formation? That's Pareidolia! Gallery491 presents Tales from Pareidolia, a solo show featuring the captivating artwork of J. Steven Patton from March 14 - August 17, 2024.

“Pareidolia,” a psychological phenomenon known for prompting the mind to discern faces, figures, animals, and even extraterrestrial forms within random inanimate objects, is the focal point and inspiration behind Steven Patton’s remarkable collection. Patton invites art enthusiasts and viewers to embark on a journey through his artistic process, where patterns and subconscious connections form the foundation of his masterpieces.

Pareidolia is where the artistic process begins. Steven Patton’s method commences with creating intricately patterned underpaintings using delicate layers of oil paint. He sees this process as an exploration of his subconscious, anticipating the emergence of shapes and figures that guide the narrative of each finished painting. “Once I discover the outline of the story in the canvas, it begins to tell its tale,” describes Patton. “I let the canvas speak and guide my hand as I fill the chapters with color. The hues are applied by hand, not brush, making the process even more intimate and authentic.”

The exhibition invites attendees to explore their interpretations and conclusions within Patton’s visual tales. With each application of color and form, Patton weaves an intricate narrative that beckons viewers to delve deeper into the captivating worlds within his artwork.

J. Steven Patton, a lifelong painter originally from Wyckoff, NJ, resides in West Orange, NJ, and is an active member of the Manufacturers Village artist collective in East Orange. His art has been showcased in numerous group exhibitions throughout New Jersey and was recently featured in the prestigious NJ State Museum Arts Annual: Reemergence.

Vault491, located in the heart of Montclair’s award-winning downtown at 491 Bloomfield Avenue, is an innovative adaptive reuse of a historic 92-year-old bank building. Surrounded by over 90 restaurants, various shops, and several renowned art venues, Vault491 is in Montclair’s central business district. Gallery491 is open Monday through Friday, 7:00am – 7:00pm.