“Osiris Re-membered by his Two Sisters” and “Isis Re-members Osiris,” are physically dominating pieces, approximately six feet in height and four feet in width. But the stature of these two paintings is not what is most remarkable about them. The most noticeable aspect is that each work shares an identical central image: Isis, clad in a yellow robe, is lifting a half-naked, presumably revived Osiris off the ground.
This image is reproduced again in the work “Witness.” In these large paintings the scene is anachronistic, as Isis is dressed in the fashions of the ancient world, while spectators of her actions are dressed in jeans and cable knit sweaters. The onlookers appear slightly altered in both works, as does a large wolf-like dog. The presence of the animal could be a reference to Anubis, the jackal-headed son of Osiris and his other sister Nefis. The concept of the re-membering having taken place in modern time also reappears in two additional paintings.
Overall Apesos’ paintings are thematically interesting but not artistically involving. Like the overall exhibit, Apesos’ artistic experimentation seems fragmented, and spread about in pieces. Apesos only sparsely textures his paint, making the majority of the work flat and commercial in appearance. The few times that Apesos experiments with a textured application of paint, it enhances the work, and makes the viewer wish he had used these techniques more often. Additionally, Apesos’ style changes very little throughout the exhibit. For the most part, he uses oil paints to create clearly defined images, reminiscent of the Romantic painters, but on a few occasions he creates a somewhat blurred, muted scene, making the painting seem more at home in the Realist tradition.
On the whole, this small and fragmented spectrum of work does not justify the hour long ride on the T, and the mile long walk required to reach the Newton Free Library. The concept is good, though viewing 16 paintings based on the same topic becomes slightly monotonous, despite the division of focus employed. If Apesos could “re-member” the positive aspects of this exhibition to create three superior works from the 16 mediocre ones, the exhibit might be worth a look. But as it is, save your time and your T token, and read a book of Egyptian mythology.
Anthony Apesos’ “Osiris Paintings” will be on view at the Gallery in the Newton Free Library through April 29. For more information, please call (617) 552-7145.