Tag: 18th century

Paulette Tavormina at Robert Mann Gallery

When a New York Times critic praised 18th century Spanish painter Luis Melendez’s intensely realist still life paintings at the National Gallery of Art in ’09, he was captivated by Melendez’s stunning ‘near-photographic verisimilitude.’ In her photographic homage to Melendez, New York photographer Paulette Tavormina closes the gap between painting and photo with assemblages of fruit, vegetables, meats and various kitchen items that extoll the beauty not only of Melendez’s work but of the bounty of the natural world. (At Robert Mann Gallery through March 21st).

Paulette Tavormina, Still Life with Jamon Iberico, after L. M., archival pigment print, 26 x 48 inches, 2014.

Genieve Figgis at Half Gallery

Irish artist Genieve Figgis reaches back into history for characters to populate her paintings of cultured pastimes and leisure pursuits, but she seems to only partly resuscitate her ghoulish figures. Here, an 18th century social gathering includes crazed and casual guests. (At Half Gallery on the Upper East Side through Oct 25th).

Genieve Figgis, A Social Portrait, acrylic on canvas, 39.3 x 23.6 inches, 2014.

Bill Cunningham’s ‘Facades’ at the New York Historical Society

For eight years in the 60s and 70s, iconic New York photographer Bill Cunningham took pictures his friend, neighbor and celebrity portrait photographer Editta Sherman in period clothes in front of famous New York City landmarks. Here, in one of the earliest images in his ‘Facades’ project, Sherman poses in front of St Paul’s Chapel in late 17th century clothes purchased in a second hand store for just a few dollars. (At the New York Historical Society (show extended).

Bill Cunningham, St Paul’s Chapel and Churchyard, (built ca 1766-1796, Broadway at Vesey Street), from the Façade series, 1968.

Jose Lerma at Andrea Rosen Gallery

Based on an 18th century print of Paris society at a Salon exhibition, Chicago-based Jose Lerma’s huge painting (seen here in detail), features a sardine-packed assortment of onlookers whose doubled features suggests a jittery, half-mad art audience. (At Chelsea’s Andrea Rosen Gallery through June 14th).

Jose Lerma, Parterre, acrylic on canvas, 108 x 192 inches, 2013-14.

Anne Chu at Lehmann Maupin Gallery

Anne Chu lifts her chubby cherub straight out of 18th century Rococo painting, then gives it a makeover.  Decorative splashes of paint and a flag bearing an indistinct face question this putti’s celestial purpose.  (At Chelsea’s Lehmann Maupin Gallery through Aug 16th).  

Anne Chu, Putti with Flag, ceramic, stone, fabric, metal, 2001.