DAN'S PAPERS, July 4, 2008 Page 130 www.danshamptons.com
Fine Arts/Books
Art Commentary “Inspired by the Light” at Guild Hall Captures the Moments
Photo by M.W. Weiss
By Marion Wolberg Weiss A term used to describe Jane Freilicher’s work, now at Guild Hall, is appropriate for exhibitors Jane Wilson and April Gornik as well: “She captures the ‘moment of the moment.’” “Capturing the moment” is a high compliment, indeed, if a work is to be called art. Such a phenomenon is a dual experience, shared by both artist and spectator alike. It’s mysterious and ultimately unexplainable. Even so, the term’s denotation is clear enough. Not only is any phenomenon an observable fact or event, but also “any object known through the senses.” There’s no doubt that the essential quality signifying Freilicher’s, Wilson’s and Gornik’s work evokes the senses. At this point, one wonders if the notion that they are all women has anything to do with such an observation. Simply put, is the celebration of the senses gender based? It’s a question that has been explored in the past, but may be considered again at another time and place. That being said, we still can’t ignore that these women feel great passion toward both their subjects and their techniques. We still can’t ignore that they can communicate this passion with clarity and feeling to both male and female viewers. We still can’t ignore that we see their hearts and minds in every majestic brushstroke, color vista and intense composition. In a nutshell, the paintings involve us in an unusual sensual experience – not only can we see their skies, fields and waves, we can smell the air, hear the birds, taste the water, and touch the flowers. While this may be an obvious way to describe the experiential elements of these artists’ work, it still
Work by April Gornik suggests a story with her lowered yellow horizon conseems appropriate. There’s another aesthetic aspect of veying peace, her choppy green waves connoting possible the artists’ paintings relating to the senses – the tone or danger. Finally, Freilicher’s “Pierrot and Peonies” celeambience created by the work. All three women are brates childhood memories with longing which we can especially effective at establishing a mood or frame of all cherish. mind. Consider Gornik’s “Storm Sea,” an overpowering “Inspired by the Light” will be on view at Guild Hall image of waves crashing on the beach. It’s a disconcerting setting, one that is potent and complex. It’s also quite until July 27. different from what we’ve come to expect from Gornik, where her skies and clouds convey a narrative that is Marion Wolberg Weiss will give a lecture on open-ended, her subjects disappearing into the cosmos. “Films as Abstract Art” at The Fireplace In this painting, the “story” takes place on the ground, Project, 851 Springs-Fireplace Rd., East confined to strict boundaries, confronting the viewer Hampton, at 5 p.m. on July 6. with mighty implications. Wilson’s “Sun and Rain” also
Honoring the Artist: Peter Max A: Charities involved in animal rights. I have been committed to this for a long time. Animals are like us; they have feelings, and we treat them terribly. We use animals like silverware. Q: Where did your love of animals come from? Did you have pets when you were growing up? A: Yes I did. I have a cat named Gigi now. When I get up in the morning, there she is, looking at me. She’s just a sweetheart. Q: What else do you care about? A: Astronomy. I am a great fan of astronomical information. Did you know that there are 100 million suns in our galaxy? It’s mind-boggling. Q: How did you get involved in this? Did it start when you were young? A: My parents took a place in Tibet for seven months when I was six or seven years old. There was an old man who would talk to me about astronomy everyday. Q: It was fate that you met him. A: It was beyond belief. Q: What advice would you give to young artists? A: I am always willing to give information to artists. I would tell them to be relaxed about their work. The more relaxed, the faster you grow. – Marion Wolberg Weiss
Via Max Inc.
The work of this week’s cover artist, Peter Max, is particularly suited to the July 4 holiday. Who can forget his previous colorful limited editions featuring close-ups of the Statute of Liberty and the American flag? No matter what our political persuasion, the images are joyful and upbeat. The same holds true for Max’s other iconic works, like the Mona Lisa, and his posters for the “Summer of Love” featured in a recent exhibit at the Whitney Museum. The later work recalls Art Nouveau design, while other pieces he has created through the years have been called Pop Art and Neo-expressionism. Max’s diversity is also reflected in his use of media, which has included watercolor, video, etchings, serigraphs, ceramics, sculpture and anything else that’s possible. Such variety and energetic creativity define Max as the following conversation proves. Q: What did you do today? A: I usually come into work late, around 12 or 1 p.m. I came in closer to one today. I then painted for almost three hours. Then I met my wife who wanted me to see something. Then people showed up who had donated money to a favorite charity. Q: I take it this is a pretty typical day. Do you paint everyday? A: Yes. I work on multiples, limited editions, or completely new things which are spontaneous. Sometimes people are watching me paint. I have a huge workspace – 25,000 square feet. I also have
Peter Max in 2007 150 people working for me. Q: You have said these works are spontaneous. A: Yes, but I don’t want to know how they will turn out. Q: Let’s get back to the favorite charity. What is it?
Max’s work can be seen on a variety of websites including galleries.absolutearts.com Dan’s Papers covers curated by Dan Rattiner and designed by Kelly Merritt and Dan Rattiner.