The Easel

24th October 2017

Louise Bourgeois: An Unfolding Portrait

Jill Spalding | Studio International | 11th October 2017

Metal spider sculptures secured Louise Bourgeois’ fame. It seems, though, that for large parts of her career, print making was the focus of her creative process. A survey show of these works on paper will help free her reputation of the “clichés miring her sculpture in rabid feminism.” Because of “their vigour, breadth and intuitive gesture, [they] release Bourgeois from her legend”. A video on the show (31 min) is here.

Other French Artists

Sarah Fensom | Art and Antiques | 30th September 2017

The 19th century French art establishment viewed women as “scaled down men”. A ban on women artists studying life (nude) drawing was just one of many barriers. Nonetheless many persevered and a few, such as Berthe Moriset and Mary Cassatt prospered. “[I]t’s possible to look at works that are different not just because they’re by women, but because they’re not what’s mainstream.” Some images are here.

The Fearless Chris Ofili Enters His Own Personal Paradise Lost

Jerry Saltz | Vulture | 5th October 2017

Chris Ofili is an important painter. But his latest, widely reviewed, show seems plain difficult – four paintings in a gallery, displayed behind a floor-to-ceiling wire fence. Some explanations are lengthy and one critic admits “I don’t fully grasp this exhibition”. This writer thinks the show is “stunning”. Summoning up his explanatory powers he suggests the difficult-to-see works are about “venturing resolutely upon a new vision of reality”.

The Master of Eglfing-Haar

Sanford Schwartz | The New York Review of Books | 26th October 2017

Eugen Gabritschevsky was a distinguished Russian biologist until engulfed by mental illness. Confined to a psychiatric hospital he started painting.  What had before his collapse been the occasional drawing, afterwards became a prolific activity. When a new medication was introduced his art stopped, though he seemingly retained “a deep wisdom full of resignation.”

17th October 2017

Collecting Strokes of Genius

Holland Cotter | The New York Times | 12th October 2017

Wow … “one of the paramount group drawing shows of the era”!  A distinguished collection of drawings, gifted to the Morgan Library, includes “heartbreaking” Rembrandt, “gossamer-handed” Tiepolo, “beyond superb” Palmer and others. 16th century drawing was moving toward “a medium for inventing rather than recording”. [By the 18th century] “drawing as a vehicle for fantasy took full flight”. More images are here.

‘Trigger’ Exhibition At The New Museum Tackles Gender But Ponders So Much More

Adam Lehrer | Forbes | 5th October 2017

Too often, art that addresses gender issues is discussed in cliché-ridden prose. No such problem here. A group of artists was invited to address gender issues, resulting in some “stunning” art and an “unmatched” survey of rising contemporary artists. Does a clear narrative emerge on this vexed topic? Not really – “any show with 40 plus artists is going to run into curatorial issues”. More images are here.

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