david lachapelle scales models of refineries and gas stations

david lachapelle scales models of refineries and gas stations
(above) land scape kings dominion, 2013
chromogenic print; 72 x 96 inches, 182.9 x 243.8 cm; edition of 3
image courtesy of the artist and paul kasmin gallery, © 2013 david lachapelle studio

david lachapelle: land scape
paul kasmin gallery, new york
now through march 1st, 2014

presenting two series of work, gas stations and refineries, american artist david lachapelle again hypnotizes audiences with the large-scale, electrifying images currently exhibiting at paul kasmin gallery for ‘land scape’. following his career shift from fashion photography to non-commercial work — but never wavering too far from the highly-dynamic, explosive visuals so characteristic of his oveure — lachapelle has showcased still lifes and fantastic scenes. drawing from an immense vocabulary of art historical references, current events and pop-culture, each of lachapelle’s compelling stills are completely unique in their narrative and evocative context.

his latest works are magical, retro-futuristic scenes of dazzlingly colored industrial buildings and eerie lit pumping stations; they comment on our consumption and undeniable addition to oil, representing the globally networked infrastructure of its production and distribution. using by-products from these manufactory outlets — such as cardboard waste, hair curlers, egg cartons, and tea canisters — lachappele has intricately crafted scale models of each structure, building up imagined manmade sets.

land scape riverside, 2013
chromogenic print; 72 x 93 3/8 inches, 182.9 x 237.2 cm; edition of 3.
image courtesy of the artist and paul kasmin gallery, © 2013 david lachapelle studio

 
land scape riverside, 2013 (detail)
chromogenic print; 72 x 93 3/8 inches, 182.9 x 237.2 cm; edition of 3.
image courtesy of the artist and paul kasmin gallery, © 2013 david lachapelle studio

in the refineries series, lachapelle presents us with glowing landscapes of imagined industrial worlds. the dramatic shots are bathed in a celestial light, aglow with an otherworldly quality, yet lachapelle seeks to convey the decidedly unnatural consequences of what actually occurs in these immense facilities. photographed in the vast deserts and along the california’s picturesque coastlines, hundreds of LED lights illuminate the heaps of household materials constructed as the plant, rigged with fire and smoke to appear as true-to-life as possible.

land scape green fields, 2013
chromogenic print; 72 x 74 5/8 inches 182.9 x 189.5 cm; edition of 3
image courtesy of the artist and paul kasmin gallery, © 2013 david lachapelle studio

land scape green fields, 2013 (detail)
chromogenic print; 72 x 74 5/8 inches 182.9 x 189.5 cm; edition of 3
image courtesy of the artist and paul kasmin gallery, © 2013 david lachapelle studio

the hauntingly lit gas station series have been shot on location in the rainforest of lachapelle’s hometown in maui. the jungle-like lush vegetation envelops the desolate fueling depots, acting as an organic force that is both generative and destructive. their eerie, subtly surrealist lighting and composition suggest a hopperesque landscape, with a few beacons of light narrating the story illustrated through the image.

gas 76, 2013
chromogenic print; 50 x 66 3/4 inches, 127 x 169.5 cm; edition of 3
image courtesy of the artist and paul kasmin gallery, © 2013 david lachapelle studio

gas AM PM, 2013
chromogenic print; 50 x 72 3/16 inches, 127 x 183.4 cm; edition of 3
image courtesy of the artist and paul kasmin gallery, © 2013 david lachapelle studio

gas BP, 2013
chromogenic print; 50 x 79 inches, 127 x 200.7 cm; edition of 3
image courtesy of the artist and paul kasmin gallery, © 2013 david lachapelle studio