Emanuele Dascanio, “The Night Doesn’t Exist,” graphite and charcoal on paper, 23 1/2 x 15 1/2 inches

The renowned Rehs Contemporary Galleries in New York City is soon opening an incredible exhibition of Art Renewal Center Select works of contemporary figurative works. Don’t miss it!

On October 28 from 2-8PM, Rehs Contemporary Gallery in New York City will be hosting an opening reception for “ARC Select 2017: Contemporary Figures” — an exhibition focusing on the stylistic variations of representing the human form in contemporary art. In conjunction with the Art Renewal Center (ARC), “Contemporary Figures unites an impressive and diverse roster around some of the finest and most unique figurative artists producing work today,” the gallery writes. “More than 25 paintings and drawings in all will be on display by — among others — Emanuele Dascanio, Daniel Gerhartz, Vanessa Lemen, Sergio Lopez, Tim Rees, and Marc Scheff.

Vanessa Lemen, “Promise,” oil on panel, 24 x 18 inches
Sergio Lopez, “Cherish,” oil on canvas, 15 x 24 inches
Daniel Gerhartz, “Wisp of Scarlet,” oil on canvas, 48 x 30 inches
Tim Rees, “Dust and Drums; Dance of the Fulani,” oil on canvas, 72 x 60 inches

“Contemporary Figures aims to highlight just a fragment of the expansive genre, while showcasing works that demonstrate immense talent and creativity. From the painstakingly precise, and near photographic charcoal and graphite renderings by Emanuele Dascanio, to the mesmerizing mixed media resin blocks by Marc Scheff, the exhibition displays a range of approaches and techniques in service of the figure. Daniel Gerhartz keeps his attention on the female form, with a strong foundation in the work of nineteenth century masters, most notably French and American Impressionist painters ranging from John Singer Sargent to Alphonse Mucha. Similarly, Sergio Lopez highlights the female form but takes the subject in a vastly different direction — influenced by the Golden Age Illustrators and graffiti writers. Tim Rees stresses compositional beauty, preferring to allow the composition to tell the story — the work is all about technique and using a thoughtful and logical approach to producing an idea. On the other hand, Vanessa Lemen credits her inspiration to moments of personal adversity and resilience — a concept that is further embodied by her organic process and the work itself; seemingly chaotic yet peaceful and elegant. Each artist reveals not only a personal vision of the human figure, but a commentary on what he or she believes is important in our current environment — what is meaningful and what is significant.”

Marc Scheff, “Reveal,” oil on pencil with gold leaf on panel under resin, 7 x 5 x 3 1/2 inches

“Contemporary Figures” will be on view through November 17. To learn more, visit Rehs Contemporary Galleries.

This article was featured in Fine Art Today, a weekly e-newsletter from Fine Art Connoisseur magazine. To start receiving Fine Art Today for free, click here.


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Andrew Webster is the former Editor of Fine Art Today and worked as an editorial and creative marketing assistant for Streamline Publishing. Andrew graduated from The University of North Carolina at Asheville with a B.A. in Art History and Ceramics. He then moved on to the University of Oregon, where he completed an M.A. in Art History. Studying under scholar Kathleen Nicholson, he completed a thesis project that investigated the peculiar practice of embedded self-portraiture within Christian imagery during the 15th and early 16th centuries in Italy.

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