Brian Keeler (b. 1953), “Interiority Rhythm,” 2017, oil on linen on panel, 30 x 26 in., collection of Scott Nissenson and Laura Taylor, Ithaca, NY
Contemporary Art > Capturing the Spirit of Music and Dance
Because the arts have always been interconnected, it makes perfect sense that painters and sculptors continue to depict musicians and dancers at work. Among the best-known chroniclers of these sister arts is Edgar Degas (1834–1917), who haunted the stages and rehearsal rooms of Belle-Epoque Paris, drawing what he witnessed.
Hailing from across North America, most of the artists highlighted here work in modes quite different from that of Degas, yet their overall objectives are similar: to underscore the intense effort necessary to pursue these disciplines, and also to convey the exhilaration performers and audiences feel when everything comes together.
Jorge Alberto (b. 1949), “Allegory of the Arts,” 2016, oil on panel, 16 x 25 in., Troika Gallery, Easton, MDAndrew S. Conklin (b. 1961), “Spanish Still Life,” 1994, oil on linen, 24 x 19 in., private collectionWilliam Schneider (b. 1945), “Practice Makes Perfect,” 2013, oil on linen, 24 x 30 in., private collectionTina Garrett (b. 1974), “Tango Nights,” 2016, oil on canvas, 50 x 60 in., private collectionAndre Lucero (b. 1967), “Floating,” 2017, oil on canvas, 36 x 24 in., J.M. Stringer Gallery, Vero Beach, FLNancy Oppenheimer (b. 1948), “In Key,” 2008, pastel on board, 30 x 23 in., available from the artistMichael Malm (b. 1972), “The Dancer,” 2010, oil on canvas, 40 x 15 in., Meyer Gallery, Santa FeMatthew Bird (b. 1977), “Jazz by Brennan’s,” 2016, watercolor on paper, 29 x 31 in., available from the artistDavid Tanner (b. 1969), “Boy with Mandolin,” 2013, oil on canvas, 30 x 15 in., collection of Alexandra McGrath
Gladys Roldan-De-Moras (1963), “Flamenco Lady,” 2014, oil on linen, 36 x 24 in., private collection, courtesy InSight Gallery, Fredericksburg, TXDavid William Terry (b. 1958), “Like a Lover at First Touching,” 2016, oil on linen, 36 x 24 in., private collection
5 Contemporary Art Sculptures Celebrating Music and Dance
Jane Dedecker (b. 1961), “Can Can,” 2004, bronze, 79 x 83 x 49 in., Brookgreen Gardens (SC) and also available from the artistPaige Bradley (b. 1974), “Ballet Femme,” 2015, bronze (edition of 25), 32 x 24 x 44 1/2 in., Thornwood Gallery, Houston, and Gallery D’May, Cape May, NJOlga Nielsen (b. 1953), Dancer, 2015, bronze (edition of 3), 26 x 7 x 13 in., available from the artistMarc Mellon (b. 1951), “Marcelo Gomes as Apollo,” 2017, bronze (edition of 12), 26 1/2 x 10 in., available from the artistRichard Macdonald (b. 1946), “Joie de Vivre,” 2007, bronze, 82 x 68 x 55 in., private collection
This contemporary art roundup originally appeared in Fine Art Connoisseur, January/February 2018
Fill your mind with useful art stories, the latest trends, upcoming art shows, top artists, and more. Subscribe to Fine Art Today, from the publishers of Fine Art Connoisseur magazine.
