“Cleveland’s drawings, like the allegorical figures in The Chrysalids, present exaggerated, contorted forms—glamorous monsters and misunderstood misfits with moody psychological depth, embodying peculiar, disenfranchised identities.”
“The Chrysalids: Reflections on Society’s Quest for Purity and Control”
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham, first published in 1955, remains strikingly relevant today. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Wyndham’s novel introduces a society obsessed with conformity, where any physical or mental deviations—labeled as “mutations” or “blasphemies”—are ruthlessly purged. This chilling world mirrors contemporary tensions around identity, belonging, and the drive for control. As we navigate an era of unprecedented social scrutiny, The Chrysalids offers a lens to examine our own fears and the lengths society will go to in preserving a fragile sense of “normalcy.”
Cleveland’s work features humorous, awkward human figures and costumes inspired by fashion and fluid gender expression, often evoking familiar scenes from film. Through Cleveland’s vision, we experience a sense of belonging and the subtle ironies of daily life. His use of vibrant colors and an uninhibited, approachable style brings a fresh perspective to his explorations of identity and everyday moments.
Cleveland’s major contemporary artists influences such named as Janet Werner, Luanne Martineau, Katherine Bradford, Katherine Bernhardt, Nan Goldin, George Condo, Jane Corrigan and Delphine Hennelly.
“Cleveland works with pastel—a medium that, though vivid and striking, is also incredibly delicate. This choice allows him to create immediate contour drawings, capturing an unfiltered, childlike vision. It evokes the dreamy, innocent qualities seen in the works of masters like Paul Klee (known for colorful, imaginative paintings that mirror a child’s playful perspective), Joan Miró (his abstract shapes and vibrant colors evoke joy and wonder, reminiscent of dreams), Henri Rousseau (a self-taught artist whose lush jungles and animals feel naive and full of imagination), Odilon Redon (often dark yet fantastical, his works feel as though drawn from a child’s imagination), Jean Dubuffet (embracing a raw, “primitive” style, inspired by children’s art, with a playful, innocent essence). Each of these artists captures a sense of wonder, blending reality with a magical or surreal quality, much like Chagall.”
— Youn Contemporary
About the artist
Brent Cleveland (b. 1994) is a Montréal-based emerging artist whose evocative, oil pastel drawings bring a unique narrative to life. His work, previously shown at venues like Projet Casa, the Leonard & Bina Ellen Gallery, and the Khyber Centre for the Arts, delves into pop culture and media, portraying characters caught in moody, introspective moments.
Cleveland holds a BFA in Interdisciplinary Studies from NSCAD University and an MFA in Painting & Drawing from Concordia University. Brent Cleveland’s rigorous drawing practice with oil pastels on paper draws from pop culture and media, presenting characters in moody, dramatic emotional states. This emerging queer artist, who has flourished across the arts sector, now brings a distinctive voice to the visual arts.