Seoul, SayArt- Gladstone Gallery, the prestigious art institution with locations in the art capitals of New York City made a resounding impact on Frieze Seoul 2023. The gallery's showcase of celebrated American figurative artist Alex Katz's works drew enthusiastic responses from art aficionados around the globe.
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| ▲ Alex Katz (born July 24, 1927) is an American figurative artist known for his paintings, sculptures, and prints. Photo From Wikipedia |
Alex Katz: A Trailblazer in American Art
Born on July 24, 1927, in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, Alex Katz has indelibly marked his presence in the world of art through his outstanding contributions in the realms of painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Katz's artistic journey commenced in the culturally diverse neighborhood of St. Albans, Queens, where his family eventually settled. It was here that he laid the foundation for his illustrious career, receiving formal art education at the prestigious Cooper Union and later at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine. It was in the picturesque landscapes of Maine that Katz cultivated a profound connection with the natural world, a theme that would permeate his iconic works.
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| ▲ Alex Katz, Sunrise 8, 2021 Oil on linen, 72 x 84 inches (182.9 x 213.4 cm) ©Alex Katz/VAGA at Artists Rights Society(ARS), NY Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery, Photography by David Regen |
Bold Simplicity and Emotional Detachment
A defining hallmark of Katz's body of work lies in his relentless pursuit of a distinctive artistic style. He famously confessed to discarding numerous paintings during his early career, driven by an unwavering quest for artistic authenticity. Katz's artworks are lauded for their audacious simplicity, vibrant color palettes, and an emotionally detached quality that engages and provokes thought in viewers. Particularly noteworthy are his large-scale paintings from the 1980s, widely acknowledged as precursors to the influential Pop Art movement.
Portraits, Landscapes, and Innovative Techniques
Katz's artistic portfolio showcases remarkable versatility, with a significant emphasis on portraiture and landscapes. His subjects often feature the bustling urban landscapes of New York City and the serene beauty of Maine, a locale he frequents during his summers, drawing endless inspiration from the surroundings. Katz's artistic technique is equally distinctive, as he explores unconventional methods such as painting on cut panels and creating awe-inspiring large-scale works that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
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| ▲ Alex Katz, Sunrise 8, 2021 Oil on linen, 72 x 84 inches (182.9 x 213.4 cm) ©Alex Katz/VAGA at Artists Rights Society(ARS), NY Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery, Photography by David Regen |
A Prolific Printmaker and Collaborator
In 1965, Katz embarked on a prolific printmaking journey, leaving an indelible mark with over 400 print editions across various mediums including lithography, etching, silkscreen, woodcut, and linoleum cut. His collaborations with renowned poets and writers, including John Ashbery and Ted Berrigan, have yielded publications that seamlessly meld visual art with poetic expression, enriching the ever-evolving world of contemporary art.
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| ▲ Alex Katz, Sunrise 8, 2021 Oil on linen, 72 x 84 inches (182.9 x 213.4 cm) ©Alex Katz/VAGA at Artists Rights Society(ARS), NY Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery, Photography by David Regen |
Founded in 1980 by Barbara Gladstone, Gladstone Gallery has emerged as an influential force in the contemporary art scene. With its prominent locations in the vibrant artistic hubs of New York City and Brussels, the gallery serves as a beacon for contemporary artists across diverse mediums, encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, and new media. Gladstone Gallery has earned acclaim for its unwavering commitment to presenting innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art, shaping the international art landscape.
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Jason Yim yimjongho1969@gmail.com
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