Jonathan Novak Contemporary Art Blog: John Baeder

Automobiles and motorcycles have long played important roles in our daily lives. Whether fueling a collector’s passion, empowering an individual’s freedom, or simply transporting people from place to place, vehicles maintain their longstanding importance in society. Automobiles and motorcycles have been, since the beginning of the movement, significant iconic subjects of Photorealist artists.

Esteemed Photorealists Elizabeth Patterson, John Baeder, Cheryl Kelley, Tom Blackwell, Randy Dudley, John Salt, and Ralph Goings pay homage to the vehicle’s place in our lives.

Elizabeth Patterson - "Sepulveda Blvd, 5PM"

John Baeder - "Club Charm, Paterson, NJ"

Cheryl Kelley - "Red and Grey Delahaye"

Tom Blackwell - "Red Lightning"

John Salt - "Garage with White Sedan"

Randy Dudley - "Desert Tramline"

Ralph Goings - "Gem Top"

MARCH 2 – APRIL 11, 2014

Color became the hallmark of painting in the 1960s when a succession of movements—ranging from Color Field to Pop—marked the triumph of American art as an international phenomenon. Pop Art took the vibrant, garish color of advertising and turned it into a positive creative statement. At the same time, abstract painters began to explore color’s sensual and emotional impact as a visceral experience. Since this exciting era, artists have continued to use and work with color as an expression of passion, beauty, and unbridled excitement.

Color surveys Post-War contemporary American and European works by well-known Abstract Expressionists, Pop artists, and Photorealists including: Sam Francis, Paul Jenkins, Robert Motherwell, Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Tim Bavington, David Hockney, Tom Wesselmann, Jim Dine, Julian Opie, Niki de Saint Phalle, Ben Schonzeit, Robert Gniewek, and David Parrish. These artists communicate through the fundamental language of color. While their works delight the eye, they also possess a resonance based on the deep emotional impact of pure pigment.

Color will be on view through April 11, 2014.