RICHARD DIEBENKORN (AMERICAN 1922-1993)
The Ocean Park Series:
Hurry before it is gone! One of the most influential artists in my somewhat limited art consciousness is Richard Diebenkorn. As a young architecture student, beginning my first graduate studio I was introduced to the Ocean Park Series by my studio professor at the time. The beautifully proportioned images had a direct impact on the way I approached a project in that studio, studying the catalogue of over a hundred paintings in the series revealed a sense of order to my design process. Since that time I have continued to admire and refer to Diebenkorn’s work as a constant influence.
It was with great anticipation that I learned of the unprecedented collection of Ocean Park Series that was on exhibit at The Modern in Fort Worth. I must say, the difference between viewing any work of art in a book or on-line is nothing compared to the impression of full scale works. Most of the series are very large formatted pieces that grab your attention from across the room. The most pleasant surprise of the exhibit are a group of smaller pieces that Diebenkorn painted on wooden cigar boxes for friends and family as gifts or greetings; amazing small works of art. I certainly enjoyed every turn within the gallery. The exhibition runs through January 15, 2012 so make sure to visit soon.
For additional information on Richard Diebenkorn and The Modern visit: http://www.themodern.org/press_release/diebenkorn_press2011.html
POST BY: dshankins
TEXAS FANDANGO
Ever had the urge to just get in the car and drive somewhere without any real agenda?
Possibly inspired by the classic film “Fandango” starring a very young Kevin Costner, myself and a small group of college buddies began a series of Texas road trips that lead to nowhere in particular. The main rule of this twisted hobby is to avoid the interstate highway system and travel only on state and Farm-to-Market roads. I know; not the fastest way to get there…….but remember you are traveling to ‘nowhere’.
Well, after many of our group Fandangos I have found myself with the constant notion to pick a direction I have never experienced and just drive. The best part of the process is you’re not in a hurry to get anywhere and you can choose to stop, turn, experience, snoop or just take in the view through the windshield at any point of the trip. The best advice I can give is always make sure you have plenty of gas, a good camera and a little time on your hands. Enjoy the view!
POSTED BY: dshankins
AMERICAN MODERN: ABBOTT, EVENS, BOURKE-WHITE
Make sure you do not miss the opportunity to see first-hand the exhibition titled American Modern at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth. This amazing collection of photographic images documents American history and offers new insight into the flourishing genre of documentary photography of the 1930’s. These historic images were all created by three American artists responsible for the movement that changed photography, Bernice Abbott, Walker Evans, and Margaret Bourke-White.
In the 1930s, American photographers pushed the genre of documentary photography to the forefront of public culture in the United States and onto the walls of newly opened museums and art galleries. Together, the careers of Abbott, Bourke-White, and Evans chronicle the fortunes of the medium during this important decade.
Each of the photographers used the documentary process to capture the classic moments in the era of the industrial age of America. The subject matter captured by the lens blends architecture, industrial imagery, political circumstance and human emotion. Contrast of how the Depression affected working Americans in the large urban industrial cities, as well as, small town farmers and their families. Many of the images are familiar black and white classics that represent American culture and the evolution of photography.
In the age of digital photography and electronic manipulation of digital images today it is amazing to see quality photography captured on film and presented in its purest form. You will leave the gallery with an absolute appreciation for each of these pioneers contribution to the art of photography.
American Modern: Abbott, Evans, Bourke-White runs through January 02, 2011 at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Admission is free. cartermuseum.org
POSTED BY: dshankins
brwarchitecture
CCK
aevertson
Jenna
chrissano
dshankins
irobmtb
jskoch
abflores
howley
craigsteelereynolds
