Kyle Staver's Mythological Paintings at Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects

Kyle Staver presented her exhibition 'Tall Tales' at Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects from September 9 to October 11, 2015, with locations at 208 Forsyth Street and 237 Eldridge Street in New York City. The show featured mythological reinterpretations alongside domestic scenes, including works like 'Leda' (2015) and 'Releasing the Catfish' (2011). Staver's artistic lineage connects to her teacher Lester Johnson from Yale, who incorporated classical imagery in the 1960s, and she acknowledges influence from Bob Thompson. Her style references Bay Area Figuration, particularly David Park, and she maintains a friendship with painter Lennart Anderson. A catalog essay by Alexi Worth discusses Staver's engagement with ancient stories despite her stated indifference. The exhibition prompted consideration of a mythological-modernist tradition, with Staver positioned as a key contemporary practitioner. Social media exchanges among painters Shaun Ellison, Frankie Gardiner, and Peter Shear referenced artistic philosophies from Philip Guston and Picasso, framing art-making as exorcism and spiritual independence.