A serious mood sets the tone in this exhibition of portraits and still life paintings by artist Jun Mu Sin, at the First Street Gallery from May 22nd–June 16th, 2007. Using loosely applied brush strokes and a muted pallet with oil on linen, this artist seems able to channel the essence of his subjects (including himself) with uncanny facility.

Larger than life-size, the paintings amplify each model’s qualities. The show’s title “The Moment, The Life,” describes the artist’s interest. By blowing up the subjects and affording them their “close-up” so to speak, Jun Mu Sin explores a conjunction of time place and emotion, utilizing a merging of foreground and background. Perhaps Mr. Sin picks up on the more somber aspects of his subjects, as none appear cheerful. All exhibit a contemplative consternation or world-weariness, which seems apropos with this time. There is no respite from that mood, except perhaps in the still life paintings which by their nature do not pack quite the same emotional impact but are equally brooding in feeling, and smaller in size.

Jun Mu Sin’s work expresses a deep commitment to the art of painting. His ability is that of a “natural,” the sort of painter who was born with a gift and is in the process of bringing it to fruition.