LEON BERKOWITZ and WAYSON JONES at HEMPHILL

The halcyon years of the Washington Color School, over half a century ago, still represent the deepest fine arts footprint ever made by our (then) regional artists, elevating most of them to (now) a global presence.

There's currently a terrific show at Hemphill showcasing the works of two immensely talented artists: Leon Berkowitz and Wayson Jones.

Jones' work first came to my attention via my good friend Lou Stovall, when Stovall selected Jones in 2010 for the October Members Show in Hillyer Art Space.

I've been following Jones' work for many years, and in 2018 I wrote about his participation in that year's Superfine Art Fair and highlighted the "refined works of Wayson R. Jones, whose technique and presentation just keeps getting better and sharper! This is a key DMV artist deserving of more attention by the curatorial cabal of our area." And two years ago I was in the audience when Jones, who in 2022 was Montgomery College’s Visual and Performing Arts Department's Artist in Residence, presented a really good Artist Talk one September day. 

It has been said that "Leon was a character, a character that stood alone..." 

In "An Interview with Gene Davis" by Walter Hopps, we learn that the The Washington Color School "members" did not feel much camaraderie, with each other, and perhaps even a sense of jealousy? George Hemphill notes that:

There are stories of Davis' extreme annoyance at the Corcoran students gathering in groups and sitting before Berkowitz's paintings while leaving his work absent of attention. Berkowitz's paintings sold as well, possibly better than others. His peers' work may garner greater investment returns today, but none have as much universal and growing appeal.

Leon Berkowitz (Photo by Paul Feinberg - Courtesy of Hemphill)

This is an important show which deserves attention not only because of the historical importance of Berkowitz, but also and equally important, a new and powerful footprint by a superbly talented contemporary artist who clearly represents a 21st century extension of those halcyon days. 

Leon Berkowitz in his studio (Photo by Paul Feinberg - Courtesy of Hemphill)

The show runs through April 26, 2025.

H E M P H I L L

434 K Street NW

Washington DC 20001

202.234.5601

hemphillfinearts.com

The Chronicles of Anderdingus: Team Up

Erik Thor Sandberg: GATHER

SELECT | ERIK THOR SANDBERG: GATHER

March April 2025

TO VIEW   TO INQUIRE

CONNERSMITH is presenting an online view of "Gather" by American surrealist Erik Thor Sandberg, who is easily one of my favorite painters on this planet.

GATHER by Erik Thor Sandberg

This major work features a thoughtful gathering of multiple human figures and a profusion of hybrid animals within a detailed landscape. Though unsettling, and equally grotesque as Hieronymus Bosch’s demons, Sandberg’s fantastical creatures seem vulnerable, perhaps even endearing. “I didn’t want to make them too scary,” the artist elucidates. “I think people conceived of demons as scapegoats for human failings. My creatures aren’t evil; they represent experiences, feelings, motivations - aspects of life that shape us for good or bad. Life throws everything at you. Some things can damn near cripple you; some make you stronger, some make you laugh. They are all important.”

Two standing women dominate the scene. One figure appears astonishingly translucent. The other holds a woven strand of creatures that are being either drawn into, or expelled from, the see-through torso of her companion. “I often present the human form as a vessel for various things,” Sandberg relates. “These creatures fill the figure with aspects of humanity.” The person who facilitates the process has an aspect of resolution, as someone who has already undergone something similar. This scenario evolved from earlier works where Sandberg depicted vessels as biological cells, clumps of earth, watery spheres, or skulls containing multiple figures, each person symbolizing a different aspect of the self. Composite forms are important in the artist’s work, as he explains, “I don’t think anyone is completely good or completely evil. Myriad experiences define intricate layers that make us who we are. I create aggregates to express this complexity.”

The assembly in “Gather” is bracketed between a cat, who watches from the foreground, and a seated woman, who peers out from behind the standing technician. “In some paintings I include one or more figures that I call witnesses,” Sandberg imparts. “They do not participate. They do not interfere. They, like the viewer, are just trying to understand everything that is happening.” Sandberg describes the woman staring out from the background as a companion to the crowned skeleton/death figure on the other side of the technician. He elaborates, “I imagine her whispering without words to the woman standing in front of her.” The theme of watching is amplified by eyes and eyeballs integrated throughout the scene. “Eyes imbue life and spirit into my images,” Sandberg reflects. “After all, seeing and being seen is a basic human desire.”

Art Scam Alert!

Beware of this scam pretending to come from the well-known auction house:

From: Clientservicesnewyorkphillips  - clientservicesnewyorkphillips@gmail.com -

Subject: PHILLIPS AUCTION PROPOSAL

Greetings! We hope this message finds you well. This is the Phillips Auction Team reaching out to express our admiration for your exceptional artwork. Over time, we have closely followed your creative journey and have been thoroughly impressed by the depth and quality of your work. 

After careful consideration, we are excited to extend an invitation to collaborate with you. We believe your unique artistic vision aligns seamlessly with our mission to showcase and celebrate outstanding talent. 

To learn more about Phillips Auction House, please visit our website [https://www.phillips.com/

You may also explore our social media pages for further insights into our initiatives and community. Once you’ve had the opportunity to review our platform, we would be delighted to hear your thoughts and discuss how we can work together.

We look forward to your response and the possibility of collaborating with you.

[Phillips Auction Team]

The Chronicles of Anderdingus

The Chronicles of Anderdingus dropped in today!

You can listen to all the tracks in Youtube here.  My fave is Cubani Fiesta!

You can also listen on Spotify here.

Tiny Vinyl Shop in Adams Morgan presents Flamenco Photography Show by Maryanne Pollock

Come out to see photographs taken by Maryanne Pollock at the Flamenco Festival in Córdoba, Spain, on view to the public for the first time, along with some of her small works on paper. The opening for “Electrico Magnifico Flamenco” will take place at Tiny Vinyl Shop in Adams Morgan on Thursday, March 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Enjoy some Spanish wine and snacks as you listen to the sound of Flamenco music on vinyl for a more sensory and immersive experience. All works are available for purchase and on view from March 13, 2025 – April 10, 2025.

About the Artist: Though photography has been a daily practice of Pollock’s since age three, she is known for her paintings. This show represents an exciting new step for the artist — the first exhibit featuring her photography. Maryanne Pollock received her BFA from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and also spent time studying in Rome, Italy. She continued pursuing her passion for creating art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Corcoran College of Art and Design and American University in Washington, DC. Her love of travel, art and culture have taken her to many places overseas and she has spent time living abroad in Egypt, Italy and Spain. Her work has been exhibited internationally in Venice, Paris, Glasgow, Basel, and Cairo. Most recently her works have been on view at Gallery 2112, Equity Gallery, the Kreeger Museum, the Phillips Collection, Bridgette Mayer Gallery and the Mclean Project for the Arts.

Gallery Hours:

Monday – Thursday 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Friday & Saturday Noon – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday Noon – 6:00 p.m. or by appointment

Contact Ty Cumbie at (347) 425-2044 or email tcumbie62@gmail.com

Tiny Vinyl Shop

2501 Champlain St NW

Washington, DC 20009

https://tinyvinylshop.com/

Artist Website for Maryanne Pollock: https://www.obeliskgallery.com/about-the-artist

Opening Night Event details:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1043249590970843/

Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tiny-vinyl-shop-presents-photos-and-art-by-maryanne-pollock-tickets-1264596023749

Otis Street Arts Project 10th Anniversary!

10th Anniversary Exhibition!

Opening reception March 22, 6-9PM

Otis Street Arts Project celebrates its 10th anniversary with an exhibition featuring 10 of their favorite artists.

OSAP started when glass artist Sean Hennessey first met sculptor David Mordini and decided to open an art space based on a handshake and good vibes.

A decade later, OSAP remains dedicated to fostering a creative community, warm and welcoming for our in-house artists and one that showcases exceptional artists from the DMV. Over these ten years, OSAP has hosted performance art, exhibitions, small theater, meetings, public critiques and served as a gathering space for the greater art community. We have worked with hundreds of artists and have invited 10 artists to help celebrate this major milestone.

Artists:

Robin Bell, Lorenzo Cardim, Cheryl Edwards, Heloisa Escudero, Adam Griffiths, Sean Hennessy, James Huckenpahler, Zofie King, Carolina Mayorga, Mercedes

Exhibition: March 22–May 3, 2024

Hours during exhibition: Sat 12–4PM and also by appointment

Opening reception: March 22, 6-9PM