Mel Bochner, It Is What It Is, 2019

In a downbeat riposte to chirpy Internet motivational quotes, American artist Mel Bochner has created a series of word paintings that feel a lot more Eeyore and storm clouds than unicorns and rainbows. The style is a radical departure for Bochner, who has previously worked across  painting, photography and sculpture in a more minimal, conceptual way. They do, however, make sense in light of the artist’s background—his father was a sign-painter by trade, and Bochner has long used painting as a way of communicating language. This new series of work displays aphorisms from the artist’s own “personal phrase dictionary”, including “Do I have to draw you a picture?”, “I’ve had it up to here” and “Are you out of your fucking mind?”. They are going on show from 5 to 13 June at Simon Lee Gallery, 12 Berkeley Street, London.