THE ROAMING GALLERIST : SEEN & RECOMMENDED

ART WYNWOOD 2024

MIAMI, FLORIDA        

ART WYNWOOD, a continuation of the art happenings inaugurated by Basel and Art Miami in December, doesn’t quite possess all the sparks it did PRE-COVID. Remnants of the bad, the good and even the ugly from the December fair can still be found. Nevertheless, for those who truly seek, there are still some commendable works in the mix. As we’ve already delved into the momentum of the fairs in our previous newsletter, we’ll leave you with a few words and images encapsulating the positive aspects of the event.

Our friend Frank Hyder had two booths showcasing several works from his Janus series. Additionally, there was an installation featuring his illuminated canoe vessels, inspired by his travels and experiences in South America.

Among the memorable booths we encountered in passing were those of Latin Core (Miami), Cernuda Arte (Coral Gables), and Eternity Gallery (Aventura), among others. Masters like Fernando Botero (Latin Core) and contemporary Latin artists have a strong presence here, reflecting Miami’s profound support and admiration for Latin American art. Exploring earlier drawings and paintings by Botero was a special treat, offering a deeper understanding of his work beyond the typical visually striking beauteous female and male forms often seen at Basel and Art Miami. The Latin Core booth provided a rich context for Botero’s oeuvre, highlighting the gallery’s commitment to promoting his work within the art milieu. Similarly, Cernuda Arte (Coral Gables) continued this scholarly approach, showcasing the works of Wifredo Lam, Gina Pellón, and other esteemed contemporary Latin artists.

 

 

MoMA

Do you ever wonder if museums display their entire inventory? MOMA currently provides an answer to that question, offering a fascinating glimpse into its extensive collection. Now on view you can see the pieces from three distinct periods: 1880s — 1940s, 1950s — 1970s, and 1980s — Present.

While all the works on display are remarkable, a significant portion of gallery space is dedicated to the important works of Jacob Lawrence, a pivotal black artist of the 20th century. It’s crucial to pay special attention to these pieces. The series of works presented illustrate concerns such as poverty, justice, and discrimination from not so long ago—issues that unfortunately remain poignant today. These bold, colorful, strong compositions resonate deeply with the black and marginalized human experience in America, a narrative that persists even in the 21st century. His use of bold geometric spaces mirrors the strength and complexity of his subjects’ situations. Lawrence skillfully captures the enormity of the human condition through rhythmic and repetitive figures and patterns, speaking loudly and compellingly to the audience.

Another noteworthy exhibition within the collection features primarily unknown photographers from the earliest years of photography. These works showcase the remarkable excitement and interest in photography, not only as an art form but also as a means of capturing history and circumstance.

 

THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM

In addition to the special attention that the Morgan Library and Museum is giving to introducing us to its past Director Librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, there is an exhibition showcasing the works and historical ephemera to celebrate the importance of Beatrix Potter, the renowned British female writer and illustrator best known for “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” This exhibition not only features delightful drawings of Peter Rabbit and other materials authored by Potter but also offers a fresh perspective on her life’s work. This exhibition will run through June 9, 2024.

By placing her work in historical context, the exhibition provides insight into Potter’s multifaceted identity. She wasn’t just an artist; she was also a significant activist, feminist, and historian. Potter was truly ahead of her time, celebrating the beauty of the land and its natural environment, along with the animals inhabiting it. Notably, she had the means to support her beliefs, investing in both recording farmland, farm life, and the countryside’s beauty and advocating for conservation by generously donating hundreds of acres for preservation in Yorkshire, England’s largest county.

Concurrently, the Morgan is hosting a photography exhibition featuring recent acquisitions that is equally captivating. Alongside works by established artists such as Diane Arbus and Irving Penn, there are also intriguing early photographs by unknown photographers adeptly documenting the human condition. The ongoing changes in programming at the Morgan and MoMA, which now actively acquire and promote the work of lesser-known artists, mark a positive shift from past practices. It’s a commendable step forward for these esteemed institutions.

 

SOTHEBY’S PRINTS & MULTIPLES AUCTION (12 – 19 April, 2024) 

Having found myself near Sotheby’s, I serendipitously wandered into the lobby of their building on 72nd and York Avenue. Upstairs, I discovered an impressive assortment of prints by important contemporary artists, including masters such as Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Helen Frankenthaler, Keith Haring, Wayne Thiebaud, and others. This exhibition serves as a preview of works to be offered in their Prints & Multiples Auction (12 – 19 April, 2024). It was a delight to experience this exhibition, not only because of the spacious, airy environment conducive to leisurely contemplation of the artwork, but also because it provides the public with an opportunity to see prints by many great artists displayed side by side, allowing for comparisons of their creative output, sometimes produced concurrently.

What struck me particularly was how important bodies of print work of some of these artists have become over the course of time, since there is very little of their primary work available. It’s also fascinating to observe how certain pieces by individual artists are valued differently for various reasons—be it popularity, limited editions, or other factors. For those interested in delving into the print market for a particular artist, comparing editions, not only between artists but also within an artist’s body of work, can be both meaningful and educational. With numerous Jasper Johns print works up for sale, one might speculate if Sotheby’s aims to mark a new era of business with his prints, especially considering his advanced age. Collectors must navigate the intricacies of each artist’s history to contextualize each piece, educating themselves on which works fall within certain price ranges. While purchasing art can be a gamble, but for those like me who aren’t in a position to buy, the educational value of viewing such exhibitions is truly priceless.

Adjacent to the preview of Contemporary Prints, another group of gallery spaces celebrates the life and era in which Tamara de Lempicka worked at the beginning of the 20th century. Lempicka, one of the most important female early 20th-century artists, epitomized the vibrant, bold spirit of the roaring ’20s and the industrial rush of the era through her colorful brash, and bold works.