Buster Levi Gallery is pleased to present A.I. Dating, a solo exhibition of new work by Lauren Versel, on view at 121 Main Street in Cold Spring, New York, from July 5 to July 27, 2025. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, July 12, from 4–6 pm. 

This is Lauren Versel’s first solo show at Buster Levi. The paintings in this exhibition comprise a combination of abstract, human, and landscape elements combined in energetic and playful manner that recall Miro and to some extent comics. There is a sense of humorous excitement in these paintings. For the most part, the colors are bright and forms float and jostle into each other seemingly at random reminiscent of slapstick comedy.  Versel spent decades in the movie and TV business where she states that; “ As a film maker and a writer, access to my sense of humor was readily available. It was a challenge to make abstract paintings that reflect my personality and can be a little bit funny. “ 

The paintings are also vigorously painted. The artist’s hand is clearly evident. Versel  creates manic spaces, crammed with subject matter that at a quick glance seems to have little relationship with each other.  Versel’s manipulation of paint is driving images and spaces both to define perimeters and assert their surface. Lines are used to establish forms, but also act independently suggesting things, such as a ladder, or to help create movement. For example, the painting Frankie, oil on canvas 2024-25, contains both the painterly vigor and humorous elements characteristic of this series. Numerous circles some with circular eye like shapes suggest the person behind the title. None are definitive and all are different. Other plant like forms and a ladder fill the composition. The intense colors contrast with black lines and forms, facilitating movement. Brushstrokes are layered moving in a variety of directions interacting with the forms and energizing the canvas.There is a definite physical presence to the work. 

Versel has described the paintings in this series as deriving from a stream of consciousness and as individuals though part a group. Versel concludes: “ I am calling this show “A.I. Dating”.  We are all complex and misunderstood. We are not simple and there is a lot going on. Who can explain it?”

Buster Levi Gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12–6 pm

Artist Website: Lauren Versel