Open By Appointment Only July 24 – September 7 Grand Re-Opening 30 September, 6-9 PM Third Floor 37 West 57th Street About Our New Gallery Space |
Frank Bernarducci and Louis K. Meisel are pleased to announce the group exhibition entitled, Summer Sweet. Recent paintings from Gallery artists as well as invited realist painters comprise this group show, an overview of the season to come. Exhibiting artists include: Luigi Benedicenti, Roberto Bernardi, Tom Blackwell, Francesco Capello, Hilo Chen, Ester Curini, Hubert de Lartigue, Don Jacot, Charles Jarboe, Park Hyung Jin, Cheryl Kelley, Mel Ramos, Mario Robinson, Raphaella Spence, Scott Steele, Bernardo Torrens and Janice Urnstein Weissman.
Several artists have taken a figurative approach to the theme, "Summer Sweet," reflecting their own unique, realist vision. Mel Ramos' paintings have become iconic; Pop-art imagery depicting female figures emerging from corporate packaging, a modern day take on Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus.' His painting, Reese's Rose is a female figure enveloped in a candy–bar wrapper. Thickly painted in his signature style with vivid colors and strong lines, Ramos' work has a voyeuristic quality, yet the gaze of the figure might suggest otherwise. Similar in style, French artist Hubert de Lartigue's portrait Laure depicts a young woman, her gaze turned away from the viewer. The juxtaposition of the model's striking blue eyes, gentle complexion, and richly colored hair with a subtle, yet suggestive pout of her lips, draws us in, revealing her charm and sense of mystery. Spanish artist, Bernardo Torrens who works primarily in a monochrome style, has depicted a scene in the tranquility of nature in The Last Sun Ray. Contrasting lines and the sculpture-like smoothness of the female body with the rough and jagged rocky background, Torrens has created a life-size, ethereal sense of beauty. Another artist who places the female form in a natural setting is Janice Urnstein Weissman. In Sarah, a female figure adorned with multiple tattoos appears to be resting in an almost fantastical setting. The swirling colors of the watery background create an intriguing contrast with the sharp, vivid tattoos that envelope the back and legs of the figure. Hilo Chen, best known for his "beach series" paintings, depicts two women sunbathing on the rich sands of Rio de Janeiro in Beach 164. His pointillist technique enables him to capture flesh tones with the utmost clarity. Mario Robinson has illustrated a young, African American girl in her 'Sunday best,' using delicate pastels to create a soft-focus narrative to his simple composition. Korean artist, Park Hyung Jin paints large-scale heads of young Asian girls, their exaggerated eyes creating a subtle, surrealist effect.
Tom Blackwell's painting Coffee Break at Barnie's, Sarasota centers on two, 'sweet' Harley Davidson motorcycles basking in the hot sun. Using a harsh angle, Blackwell is able to create a sense of depth in his Photorealist work as the cherry red motorcycle angles toward the viewer in an almost menacing manner. Continuing the automotive genre, artist Cheryl Kelley has depicted the cropped view of a 'muscle car,' the famous Mustang Shelby. The fluid, bold lines of the front bumper that grace the body of this car, each rivet and chrome curve is highlighted by reflecting sunlight. Italian painter Francesco Capello's painting Vespa is a nostalgic view of the famed scooter which zigzags through many Italian streets. The faded colors, worn seat and scuffed body of the classic motorbike suggest that this particular scooter has seen many rides throughout the Italian cities and countryside.
Fellow Italian artist, Ester Curini is a self taught painter of farm animals. She is able to capture each strand and wave of hair with the utmost precision, as seen in her white on white painting of a rabbit entitled, Chet.
Luigi Benedicenti's still life painting Dolce Riflessi is a depiction of two Italian desserts. Situated on a gold, reflective foil, he is able to capture and enhance each crevice of these delectable pastries. Also known for his still life paintings, Roberto Bernardi is exhibiting one of his characteristic 'candy paintings,' a display of sugary sweet treats propped up in glass jars and strewn across the foreground. The final still life painting Sweet Stuff by Don Jacot portrays three antique toy figures: a honey-bee, a ballerina, and a man pushing an ice cream cart on a lush green background.
Charles Jarboe has captured not only the industrial aspects of New York City, but gives glimpses into the brilliant blue skies that are offered during the steamy summer. Scott Steele has depicted the store front of the late Vesuvio Bakery in New York City. The famously bright green awning and store frame was a favorite stop among SoHo residents. Raphaella Spence has also depicted a favorite spot in New York City: the Central Park boat basin. Capturing the natural elements of the park and contrasting them with the skyscrapers in the background, she has managed to create a tranquil, early morning view of the city that never sleeps.
This exhibit remains on view through Saturday, May 29, 2010.