“Runaway is a contemporary view of the suppressed anxiety of now. The fight for survival has changed but anxiety remains. Your existence has become expensive, life is no longer cheap. There are no more saber tooth tigers to run away from, yet we keep creating parallel problems.” These are the words used to describe the essence of Auckland-based artist and graphic designer Ken Griffen‘s latest exhibition, opening tonight at Precinct 35 in Wellington.

Portraiture is Griffen’s signature, a hallmark that has raised the young creative’s own profile over the last 18-months during recent studio placements in Amsterdam, Berlin and Auckland. Continuing his investigation — painting with observations that portray not only the subject, but also a broader social stance — Griffen’s travels have equipped him with a sweeping perspective of Western social society. Runaway brings to light the internal reality of how we think and prioritise. “Mark makings of facial expressions to corporate logos are used as a language to communicate. These anxiety driven observations show a picture of what is felt today.”

Not only is there guaranteed to a be a swathe of individuals out there with whom Griffen’s work and perspective resonates, but the graphic nature of his pieces are immensely easy on the eye. Hence, we suggest you head along to bask in the collective angst.

Runaway’s opening night will be held on Thursday, 23rd June 5:30pm – 8:30pm at Precinct 35.

Opening hours:
Monday –  Thursday 10am-5pm,
Friday – 10am-6pm
Saturday – 10am-5pm
Sunday – 11am-4pm