ALBERT DE BELLEROCHE, Le Réveil (waking), Julie de Belleroche
Recommended by Rebecca (Gallery Associate):
While revisiting Albert de Belleroche's work before the Russell-Cotes Museum exhibition (opening this month) I was again struck by how free and expressive he was as a lithographer, using his stone as if it were a sheet of paper and not an expensive, precious, tool for the final stage of printmaking. He was a talented printer, editing and altering his drawing on the stone. But much of the character of his lithographs comes from the fact that he didn't have to worry about the financial challenges of being an artist. Each impression is its own, not preoccupied with being a perfect match for the edition but rather welcoming variation. In this piece, the hair and clothing are loose and sketch-like, rich in texture, while the eyes, nose, and mouth are carefully constructed. The chaos and contrast around her face draws us into her expression.
The exhibition "A Painter in Paris: Albert de Belleroche" at The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in the UK, opens May 3rd and closes September 22nd.
CAROL WAX, Ball and Flame
Recommended by Nikki (Art Photographer / Marketing and Exhibitions Specialist):
Carol Wax is an expert mezzotint printmaker (a time-consuming process that uses extreme lights and darks to build up an image on a copperplate). In this scene fire, twine, and darkness (with time as a witness) play an important role in Wax’s narrative. To feed the light, the twine must burn, but there is a finite amount of the consumable resource before the flame inevitably goes out and it becomes dark.
EVA PIETZCKER, Tulips
Recommended by Paige (Collections Manager / Marketing Coordinator):
The tulips are in full bloom in my neighborhood park, and while I love the much missed color they bring in the spring, Eva Pietzcker's 'Tulips' emphasizes the beauty of the flowers' shape and interaction with light. I see the beauty of their leaves in a new way. I feel the curve of the vase echoed in the curve of the petals. The light, brushed texture of the ink draws me in to explore the composition. I find myself thinking about flowers as beautiful gifts, both for a friend in their home and for our community in a public park.
ART HANSEN, Four Poppies 1987
Recommended by Catherine (Collections Specialist / Gallery Associate):
Often considered a symbol of grief, poppies are one of my very favorite flowers and I appreciate the unique way Art Hansen portrays them with soft textures and muted tones. The symbolism of this flower is beautifully communicated by the subdued color palette and the way the poppies are drooping and wearily leaning into each other. They even appear to be experiencing grief themselves, curled around one another in a gentle embrace. The combination of fully bloomed poppies and new buds represents the timelessness of grief - whether new or old, it is ever-present and universal, and also deeply unifying.