Mario Bencomo, Seymour Boardman, Ernest Briggs, Perez Celis, Ching Ho Cheng, Lynne Drexler, Amaranth Ehrenhalt, Joe Fiore, Mark Gibian, Morfy Gikas, Michiko Itatani, Buffie Johnson, Grace Knowlton, Martee Levi, William Manning, Jeanne Miles, Joan Mitchell, Andy Moses, Leonard Nelson, Thomas Nonn, Robert Rauschenberg, Richards Ruben, William Scharf, Aaron Siskind, Nancy Steinson, Shirley Thomas, Petra Valentova and Alice Yamin

June 7th – August 3rd, 2007
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 7th, 2007, 6 - 8 PM

Anita Shapolsky Gallery presents a group exhibition “Collectors’ Choices” - opening on Thursday, June 7th. The show features paintings, photographs and sculptures by artists belonging to a younger and older generation. While we traditionally exhibit works of second generation masters of Abstract Expressionism, we recognize younger artists for diversity in their approaches towards art. The work on display is an example of the use of various techniques, materials and different artistic ideas. The exhibition juxtaposes the works of older masters such as Robert Rauschenberg, Joan Mitchell or Leonard Nelson to the works and visions of the younger generation.

Mario Bencomo, a Cuban-American, is known for colorfully sensual abstractions of nature. Mark Gibian crafts mysterious sculptures of transparent glass sheathed over metal-grid skeletons that recall prehistoric line forms and straddle the organic and industrial realms. Nancy Steinson’s sculptures are truly minimal with their simple forms and sharp edges. Morfy Gikas emphasizes different textures, often within a geometrical frame. Martee Levi, is searching for wholeness and relationships, while Shirley Thomas is digging into the layers of dry wall to achieve three dimensionality on the surface of the painting. Richard Ruben’s series “Venetian Fragments” breaks the dictates of the flat two-dimensional work and reminds us that he is mainly a gestural artist, who shapes and curves his canvases. Ching Ho Cheng is known for his torn paper pieces and his alchemical works. Michiko Itatani examines the relationship between emotion and control, exploring opposition and tension. Perez Celis, from Argentina, creates layered and piercing planes in a uniquely interwoven space. William Manning’s pieces unfold in a way that is reminiscent of the Cubists ideas about fragmented vision. Ernest Briggs, whose estate Anita Shapolsky represents, investigates the use of lyrical color and the cataclysmic power of nature. On the contrary, Joseph Fiore’s work is about balance between the geometric and abstract shapes. Buffie Johnson has studied feminine energy throughout her live and sought to reconnect the viewer with some of their forgotten energy. William Scharf’s paintings are narratives using elemental, primeval line. Jeanne Miles’ work seeks to explore divine and spiritual truth and her mandalas serve as meditations on ritualistic designs. Thomas Nonn’s pieces are structural and tactical constructions of walls and architecture; even in his small pieces it is possible to feel the physicality of human structures. Amaranth Ehrenhalt, works both in Paris and New York, exhibits dynamic energy. Leonard Nelson is known for his gestural abstractions, which he later simplified into color-field paintings. Joan Mitchell and Robert Rauschenberg will be represented by paper works, and Aaron Siskind by his well-known abstract photographs. Andy Moses works are characterized by control of his acrylic medium and its luminous effect. Grace Knowlton is primarily known for the spherical sculpture, which she sometimes treats as painting in the round, while Petra Valentova creates simplified forms inspired from nature. Lynne Drexler captures the colors and energy of the atmosphere wherever she is. Alice Yamin originated working in the carbon medium, placing the carbon paper over the drawing sheet and pressing on the carbon with differently shaped pieces of metal. Seymour Boardman’s work emerged from the period of dark, brooding colors, and calligraphic brushwork that later evolved into saturated colors and exploration to the exterior of the canvas.

This exhibition displays a number of interesting works by various artists and once again contributes to the vibrant summer New York art scene. The art exhibited at the Anita Shapolsky Gallery is aimed at knowledgeable art collectors.

Summer Gallery Hours
June: Tue – Fri 11 – 6 PM
July: Tue – Thu 11 – 5 PM or by appointment