RHYTHM OF RESILIENCE: THE ARTISTRY OF SAM MIDDLETON
info@spaniermanmodern.com 212-249-0619 www.spaniermanmodern.com 958 Madison Ave., 2nd floor, New York, NY, 10021
Progress, 1971, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/4 x 42 1/8 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '71'
Rhythm of Resilience: The Artistry of Sam
Middleton
May 17th - August 18th, 2024
Hammonds House Museum,
Atlanta, GA
Concerto, 1983, Mixed media and collage on paper, 20 x 30 inches,
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '83'
The Rhythm of Resilience: The Art of Sam Middleton is a captivating exhibition that delves into the artistic legacy of Sam Middleton, a pioneering figure in American art history. Middleton's work occupies a unique space within the canon of art history, blending influences from African art, European modernism, and American abstract expressionism to create a visual language that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Born in Harlem, New York, Middleton was immersed in the cultural vibrancy of the Harlem Renaissance, a period that would shape his artistic sensibilities and drive his exploration of identity and resistance through art. His decision to seek artistic and personal freedom in Europe marked a turning point in his career, allowing him to absorb diverse cultural influences and develop a distinctive visual style that transcended geographical boundaries.
One of the most striking aspects of Middleton's art is his integration of classical music and jazz structure into his work. Drawing inspiration from the rhythmic complexities and improvisational nature of jazz, Middleton infused his collages with a dynamic energy that mirrors the spontaneity and innovation of the musical form. His use of color, texture, and form creates a visual symphony that resonates with the viewer, inviting them to experience the harmonies and dissonances of his compositions.
Art historian Dr. Julie McGee, a leading authority on Middleton's work and art history, has highlighted Middleton's ability to weave together visual and auditory elements in his art, painting history with the sounds of resistance. Middleton's exploration of music's influence on visual art adds a layer of depth and complexity to his work, underscoring the interconnectedness of artistic expressions across different mediums.
Notably, Middleton’s work is held in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Pompidou Center, the Stedelijk Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the St. Louis art Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and the Van Bommel Van Dam Museum.
The Rhythm of Resilience: The Art of Sam Middleton offers a profound insight into Middleton's artistic journey and the enduring relevance of his work in today's art world. By exploring Middleton's fusion of classical music and jazz in his collages, viewers are invited to appreciate the innovative spirit and cultural significance of his creations, and to reflect on the transformative power of art in conveying messages of resistance, resilience, and cultural dynamism.
Halima.Taha, Curator and Artistic Chair
Rhythm Section, 1985, Mixed media on paper, 19 1/4 x 25 inches,
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '85'
Signed and dated lower right
Adagio, 1988, Mixed media and collage on paper, 20 1/2 x 30 1/4 inches 'Middleton '88'
Ella, 1998, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/2 x 42 1/4 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '98'
Half Note, 1989, Mixed media and collage on paper, 19 1/2 x 25 1/4 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '89'
London Bridge, 1981, Mixed media and collage on paper, 20 1/4 x 30 1/2 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '81'
Table Top Still Life, 1996, Mixed media and collage on paper, 19 1/2 x 25 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '96'
TheKiss, 1994, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/2 x 41 1/2 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '94'
Nocturnal Beat, 1984, Mixed media and collage on paper, 20 3/8 x 30 1/4 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '84'
BuffaloSoldier, 1995, Mixed media and collage on paper, 19 1/2 x 25 1/4 inches Signed and dated lower center 'Middleton '95'
The Dance Concert, 1979, Mixed media and collage on paper, 41 1/8 x 30 1/8 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '79'
DansKlass, 1979, Mixed media and collage on paper, 41 x 30 inches Signed and dated lower center 'Middleton '79'
Declassified, 1973, Mixed media and collage on paper, 15 1/2 x 20 7/8 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '73'
Minor Suite, 1991, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/2 x 41 3/4 inches
Signed and dated lower center Middleton '91'
, 1992, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/2 x 42 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '92'
Newport
Orchestral Delight, 1994, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/2 x 41 3/4 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '94'
Summer Romance, 1982, Mixed media and collage on paper, 19 1/4 x 25 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '82'
Cool Breeze, 1977, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/2 x 41 1/4 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '77'
Impromptu, 1993, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/4 x 41 1/2 inches
Signed and dated lower leftt 'Middleton '93'
Jam Session, 1993, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/2 x 42 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '93'
Master Class, 1989, Mixed media and collage on paper, 19 1/4 x 25 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '89'
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton
Polka Dots, 1991, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 3/8 x 41 5/8 inches '91'
Jahr der Musik, 1995, Mixed media and collage on paper, 19 3/8 x 25 inches
Signed and dated lower left 'Middleton '95'
The Search, 1959, Oil and mixed media collage on masonite, 15 1/2 x 41 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '59'
Clear Blue, 1989, Mixed media and collage on paper, 30 1/2 x 41 inches
Signed and dated center right 'Middleton '89'
Admission, 1966, Mixed media collage on paper, 22 3/4 x 31 1/2 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '66'
Signed and dated lower right
Oboe and Flute, 1964, Oil and mixed media collage on paper, 31 1/4 x 20 3/4 inches 'Middleton '64'
Untitled, 1959, Gouache and watercolor on paper, 18 x 24 inches
Signed and dated lower right 'Middleton '59'
To make an appointment, please contact the gallery at info@spaniermanmodern.com, or via telephone at 212-249-0619.
Please visit our website at www.spaniermanmodern.com to explore more of our collection.
Our gallery is located at 958 Madison Ave., 2nd floor, New York, NY, 10021. Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10-6.
