It’s perhaps a testament to the skill of artist Dan Witz that the viewer has trouble making out which parts of his compositions are digital and which use traditional oil painting techniques, such is the seamless transition of his hyper-real creations. But it is the blurred areas between two of the most elemental states, light and dark, that hold the most intrigue.

In Bar Shrines, Lamps, and Other Paintings of Light, Witz again presents us with two clear spheres of operation – indoors and outdoors – with the former making great use of table lamps in seemingly banal scenes that are deceptively interesting as much for what they don’t show as for what is illuminated under the shade’s glow. A similar air of mystery exists in his external pieces, and there is something base in the sense of foreboding one gets wondering what lurks in the shadows on the periphery of the somewhat run-of-the-mill, domestic settings. Witz uses a digital print as a starting canvas, applying oils to bring the light to life. Berlin’s Gestalten Space is hosting Witz’s latest collection – the American’s first solo show in Germany – from 26th April to 8th June.

© Bar Shrine #3 | Shanghai,
Oil and digital media on canvas, 2010.
Image Courtesy of Gestalten.

© Park Avenue Chinese Porcelain Lamp,
Oil and digital media on canvas, 2010.
Image Courtesy of Gestalten.

© La Minita D‘Oro (small),
Oil and digital media on canvas, 2013.
Image Courtesy of Gestalten.

© Park Avenue Lobby Lamp (Annunciation),
Oil and digital media on canvas, 2010.
Image Courtesy of Gestalten.

© Garden Gate L.A.,
Oil and digital media on canvas, 2010.
Image Courtesy of Gestalten.

© Sherburn Hotel Lamp,
Oil and digital media on canvas, 2008.
Image Courtesy of Gestalten.

© Lace Curtain Window,
Oil and digital media on canvas, 2005.
Image Courtesy of Gestalten.

© Viking Hotel Lamp,
Oil and digital media on canvas, 2008.
Image Courtesy of Gestalten.