Weltschmerz:
Recent Drawings by Ben Tolman
On view January 19 through February 25, 2017
Ben Tolman‘s first one person exhibition with Gallery Neptune and Brown will showcase his most recent drawings in ink and gouache on paper. Tolman studied at the Corcoran and American University, and has been exhibiting drawings in the Washington area since 2005. He most recently traveled to Bosnia and Germany for extended periods expanding his influences and exposure to the world at large. His work continues to explore cities with the people and imagery that reflect their social, political, and environmental circumstances.
“Weltschmerz”, translates from German to “world pain”. This overwhelming feeling is one that currently affects much of the United States and the world. In the tradition of Hieronymus Bosch and M.C. Escher, Tolman delves in to the fantastic imagery of impossible chaos. These compositions, almost dream-like, are absurd with grains of emotional helplessness controlled only by order. With expert technique and a passion for social consciousness, Tolman continues to fascinate and engage his viewers.