Alex Katz
Red Smile
1963
by Emily Steinberg
There is a great little show at the Philadelphia Museum of art right now. Five paintings by Alex Katz, contemporary American figure painter, are on view on the first floor of the museum. I was very surprised and happy to see them. My favorite one is called Summer Tales from 2007. It is very large, approx. 8' x 16', and contains figures on a sea of red. (The painting above is not in the show, but is an example of the artist's work.) Katz was painting from life in the 1950's when the art world was consumed with abstraction. His work is minimal, elegant and arresting. Go see it!
After reading this, I googled Alex Katz on-line to learn more about him and his work. Had never heard of him, and love the bold images and colors! One week later, I found myself at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on new year's eve, enjoying the pieces there in person. Would not have known to be on the look-out for it, if I hadn't read it here first. THANK YOU! - Ann Forstater
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