American Proto-Pop Artist Stuart Davis

Stuart Davis, The Mellow Pad - 1945-51 - Oil on canvas, 26 x 42 in; Brooklyn Museum, New York (click photo for larger image)Stuart Davis  (1894-1964, New York, New York) was an American abstract artist whose idiosyncratic Cubist paintings of urban scenes anticipated the use of commercial art and advertising by the Pop artists of the 1960s. He was heavily influenced by the Synthetic Cubism of the early Modern period--but interpreted that visual language in unique ways. Davis’ works are characterized by wit and joy, which provided a sharp (and to some, welcome) contrast to the melodrama of Abstract Expressionism.

The Armory Show of 1913 - a Mythical Exhibition

Henri Matisse, French, 1869-1954, Goldfish and Sculpture (Le Poissons), 1911, oil, 45 3/4 x 39 3/8The Armory Show of 1913 was officially known as “The International Exhibition of Modern Art”. This was the first large exhibition of avant-garde European works in America--and also included a lot of important works by American artists. The exhibit challenged the traditional expectations of art--and changed both the academic and public definitions and attitudes toward art. Moreover, what had been essentially outsider movements in Europe came to become the standards of the international art scene.

George Gray Barnard, American, 1863-1938 The Prodigal Son and His Father, 1904, marble, 81 1/4 x 54 x 60 1/2.Some scholars have suggested that this exhibit dramatically changed the directions of American artists. In some cases, this is true. However, many Americans were already well on their way to modernism, as can be seen in their contributions to this legendary exhibit. The University of Virginia hosts an excellent recreation of the show--with excellent gallery maps and cataogue notes. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Salvador Dalí Illustrates Alice in Wonderland, 1969

Salvador Dali, The Queen's Croquet Ground, 1969

I knew he'd done this but hadn't see the work until now; it's pretty amazing. Alice in Wonderland is such a surreal story--and so layered in terms of how it can be understood (from both the adultt's and child's perspective) -- that it's a perfect fit for Dali's somewhat childlike mind--and surrealist view.

From BrainPickings.org:

Published by New York’s Maecenas Press-Random House in 1969 and distributed as their book of the month, the volume went on to become one of the most sought-after Dalí suites of all time. It contains 12 heliogravures, one for each chapter of the book, and one original signed etching in 4 colors as the frontpiece, all of which the fine folks at the William Bennett Gallery have kindly digitized for your gasping pleasure....

Click here to read the story and see more illustrations....

Modernism and Giotto: Back and Forth on a Time Machine

(Left) Diego Rivera - The Agitator, detail, 1926, Autonomous University of Chapingo. (Right) Giotto - Crucifixion, detail, c. 1305, Scrovegni Chapel, PaduaOne of the primary goals of Modern Art was to break with the traditions of the past that had been defined by the Renaissance. But inspiration doesn’t develop in a vacuum! Key modernists such as Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, Rivera--and many other artists--journeyed back in time to pre-Renaissance days in search of a muse. They found one in the great fourteenth century master, Giotto. I will begin a five-week program on this topic at the Palos Verdes Art Center--on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30-3:30, and beginning Tuesday, April 10th. In this program, we will examine the significant links (and in some cases direct quotations) between the “father of European painting” and the Moderns masters. Giotto once said, “Every painting is a voyage into a sacred harbor.” Come on our voyage to find out how modernism interpreted this idea--working from the Giotto model. Space is limited so register now! Click here for more info and to register.

80 Works By Joan Miró, Never Before Shown in Italy, on View At Chiostro Del Bramante

Joan Miró, Senza Titolo, 1978. Olio su compensato (oil on plywood), 64 x 64 cm.Joan Miró was one of the most creative and delightful painters of the Modern era--and certainly is one of my inspirations. He articulated the ethic of Surrealism exquisitely--with his joyful paintings that have become a playground for our minds. An exhibit of 80 new works will be opening shortly in Rome. So if you happen to be traveling to Italy any time soon--check it out.

From ArtDaily.org:

ROME.- It has been many years since Rome hosted an exhaustive exhibition of the works of Joan Miró (1893–1983), the great Catalan artist who left his unmistakable mark on the European avant-garde art movements.

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