Specialized

Lewis Ihnatko's exhibition features detailed figurative surrealism paintings made between 2023–2024, combining warped perspectives and photo-realism to communicate perplexing narratives. Created during a period marked by his father's death from multiple sclerosis in November 2023, a romantic breakup, and financial uncertainty, the work oscillates between sinister and playful registers. Ihnatko's father, known for his upbeat personality and dark humour, influenced the artist's approach to adversity throughout this time.

Works such as Holding On (2023) depict profound personal moments alongside surreal imagery, while pieces like Red Mist (2023) and Refuge (2024) blend disturbing and gothic elements with absurdist humour seen in works such as Trustfund Traphouse (2023). Technically ambitious, the paintings demonstrate Ihnatko's integration of digital and traditional methods—he creates digital drafts allowing unlimited revisions before projecting onto canvas. New techniques including airbrushing create uncanny photorealism in works like Lorem Ipsum (2024) and Treason (2024). The exhibition marks a major evolution in Ihnatko's painterly style, representing his most personal body of work.