Monya Rowe Gallery is pleased to announce the first New York City solo exhibition by Carson Monahan titled Phantom Town. In Phantom Town, seemingly ordinary moments are infused with an otherworldly presence, where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual realms blur. Imagery of lone figures or pairs engaging in everyday activities hints at an unseen mystery—an undercurrent of mysticism that quietly distorts reality.
Elements of symbolism are woven into each painting transforming the ordinary into the uncanny. Monahan heightens reality with surreal landscapes that exemplify psychological quandaries. The surroundings are amalgamations of real and fictional elements while barriers and walls are used to represent the unknown. Each panting depicts some kind of intrusion or unexpected occurrence such as a mysterious whisper, a threatening scorpion, or the suggestion of a menacing presence. The use of animals as sentient beings reflects an intuitive understanding of the world that humans often overlook, emphasizing the tension between natural instinct and human ignorance. Animals appear displaying an acute awareness, acting as silent guardians or guides, sensing what lingers just beyond perception.
Influences range from fantasy, folklore, renaissance and mythology to dreams and the subconscious mind. Monahan’s sartorial choice of utilitarian clothing complicates identifying the period of each mise en scène, further challenging the viewer to search for their own interpretation. Engaging with themes such as mortality, renewal, anxiety, alienation and longing, Monahan searches for a connection between reality and the unknown. The examination of time and the concept of impermanence suggests a restless energy and sense of wonder, but also signals self-liberation and growth.
