The Working Class
dal 31/3/2005 al 8/5/2005
Segnalato da
Leonid Berman
Marvin Cherney
Leonard Creo
Adolf Dehn
Lee Jackson
Walter Klett
William Palmer
Robert Philipp
Noel Rockmore
31/3/2005
The Working Class
Figureworks, New York
Part II. 1950-1960's. A select series of figurative paintings depicting the working class of the period. The works selected for this exhibition precede, yet associate with, contemporary realism of the late 1960's. On show: Leonid Berman, Marvin Cherney, Leonard Creo, Adolf Dehn, Lee Jackson, Walter Klett, William Palmer, Robert Philipp, and Noel Rockmore.
The Working Class. 1950-1960's
In April of 2004, Figureworks displayed a select series of figurative paintings from the 1930-1940’s depicting the working class of the period. This series continues with the same theme selecting paintings from the 1950-1960’s.
Artists include Leonid Berman, Marvin Cherney, Leonard Creo, Adolf Dehn, Lee Jackson, Walter Klett, William Palmer, Robert Philipp, and Noel Rockmore.
Many of these artists, coming from a WPA background, struggled to find their direction as the freedom of Pop Art took hold. Their traditional training and regionalistic approach to painting was waning and Americans were optimistically looking at new concepts and futuristic design. Artists who had supported themselves by designing nationalistic murals depicting human struggle and reward were now faced with selling their work to collectors, not the government. Some moved easily into this new freedom and continued to exhibit with notable success. Others took roles as educators as their paintings achieved moderate recognition.
The works selected for this exhibition precede, yet associate with, contemporary realism of the late 1960’s. These artists chose to continue working with the figure and retain their unique signature styles throughout their career. Notable changes from earlier works are seen primarily through the subject's attire, expression, or environment rather than technique. These artists were also exposing themselves through travel, viewing these new subjects in a relaxed, optimistic manner. Though still depicting the working class, subjects are now reflected in a fresh palette of light and hope. The calmness and beauty in these selections are wonderful windows into this diverse period.
Image: Walter Klett, Corrine, oil on canvas, c1950
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