Artiste
Né(e) à New York City, États-Unis d'Amérique
Premières années et formation
Né : 9 mars 1948, New York City
A grandi dans la banlieue de Long Island avant que sa famille ne déménage à Phoenix, Arizona en 1967.
Sa formation artistique a commencé au Phoenix College pendant deux ans.
Il a étudié à l'Arizona State University.
Il a obtenu un BFA du California Institute of the Arts (Valencia, Californie) en 1972.
Il a travaillé comme gardien au Museum of Contemporary Art de Chicago.
Enseignement et début de carrière
A enseigné la peinture à la Nova Scotia College of Art and Design à Halifax, Nouvelle-Écosse (1974-1978).
Il a rencontré sa future épouse, peintre April Gornik, alors qu'il enseignait à Halifax.
Il est retourné à New York City en 1978.
Sa première exposition individuelle a eu lieu à la Dalhousie Art Gallery en Nouvelle-Écosse en 1975.
Style artistique et thèmes
Style : Connu pour ses peintures à grande échelle, naturalistes, souvent classées dans le néo-expressionnisme.
Thèmes : Explore la banlieue américaine, la sexualité adolescente, le voyeurisme et les sous-courants plus sombres de la vie américaine mainstream.
Premières œuvres : Dépeignait souvent des thèmes provocateurs considérés comme tabous à l'époque, se concentrant sur le décalage entre les apparences extérieures et les réalités intérieures. Exemples: "Sleepwalker" (1979), "Bad Boy" (1981) et "Birthday Boy" (1983).
Évolution du style : Il s'est orienté vers des images fragmentées divisées en panneaux séparés dans les années 1980, utilisant cette technique pour la peinture et la gravure.
Influences : Des comparaisons ont été établies avec Edgar Degas en raison de sa capacité à créer des situations chargées d'une subtile perspicacité et de caractérisation.
Réalisations majeures et collaborations
Expositions extensives dans tout les États-Unis et l’Europe.
A reçu le prix pour la réussite professionnelle du Guild Hall's Academy of the Art en 1994.
Il a été honoré de devenir membre de l'American Academy of Arts and Letters en 2006.
Collaborations avec des figures notables : Jamaica Kincaid, E. L. Doctorow, Frederic Tuten et le compositeur Bruce Wolosoff.
"America: Now and Here": Une exposition multidisciplinaire présentant des artistes américains contemporains, des musiciens, des poètes, des dramaturges et des cinéastes.
Œuvre importante "Krefeld Redux, Bedroom #6 (Surviving the Fall Meant Using You for Handholds)" (2004), achetée par Paul Allen et présentée dans une grande exposition.
Activités actuelles et héritage
Administrateur et critique principal à la New York Academy of Art.
Président de l'Academy of the Arts au Guild Hall d'East Hampton.
Vit et travaille à Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York avec sa femme, April Gornik.
Co-fondateur de The Church in Sag Harbor, un centre artistique à but non lucratif.
Membre de l’American Academy of Arts and Letters et de l'American Academy of Arts and Science.
Son travail est représenté par la Skarstedt Gallery.
Musée
Exposé à Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul’s Beacon of Contemporary Art: Exploring Elgiz Museum
Istanbul pulsates with history, yet nestled within Maslak’s modern skyline lies a singular institution dedicated to illuminating the present – Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art. Established as Turkey's inaugural private art museum, it represents more than just a collection; it embodies a commitment to fostering dialogue and nurturing artistic innovation within the nation.
A Pioneering Vision:
Founded in 2008 by Hüseyin Aksoy, Elgiz emerged from a desire to cultivate a space where Turkish and international artists could flourish. Recognizing the importance of supporting emerging talent and challenging established conventions, Aksoy envisioned a museum that would actively engage with the complexities of contemporary culture.
Diverse Artistic Voices:
The museum’s collection speaks volumes about Turkey's evolving artistic landscape. Featuring works spanning painting, sculpture, video installations, and digital art, it champions artists from varied backgrounds – reflecting global perspectives alongside Turkish traditions.
Treasures Within Walls: Collection Highlights
The Elgiz Museum’s holdings are curated with meticulous care, prioritizing pieces that resonate deeply with both artistic merit and conceptual significance. Among its most celebrated artworks are pieces by renowned international artists like Tomie Ohtake, whose vibrant canvases exemplify Brazilian abstract expressionism—a testament to the museum's dedication to showcasing diverse artistic styles. The collection’s centerpiece is undoubtedly Henri Matisse’s “Formes Gouache Découpées pour Jazz Paris,” a masterful demonstration of fauvist technique – bold color palettes juxtaposed with geometric shapes that capture the energy and dynamism of Parisian jazz culture in 1947. Alongside Matisse, visitors can admire Edvard Munch's "Interior aux Aubergines," a haunting portrayal of psychological introspection rendered in oil on canvas—a poignant reflection of the anxieties prevalent during Munch’s era. Sculptors such as Ali Güler contribute to Elgiz’s repertoire with pieces crafted from bronze and marble, exploring themes of human form and spiritual contemplation.
Notable Exhibitions:
Elgiz Museum consistently presents groundbreaking exhibitions that grapple with pressing social and political issues. Recent shows have explored themes of identity, migration, and sustainability, sparking critical conversations within the art community.
Sculptural Explorations:
Alongside paintings, the museum’s sculptural collection features works by prominent Turkish sculptors who utilize materials like bronze and marble to convey powerful narratives about human experience.
Architecture Reflecting Artistic Spirit
Situated in Maslak, Istanbul's bustling business district, Elgiz Museum’s building itself is a deliberate statement. Designed by Tabanlıoğlu Architects, the structure prioritizes natural light and open spaces—creating an environment conducive to contemplation and artistic appreciation. Its minimalist aesthetic complements the museum’s focus on contemporary art, fostering a harmonious connection between architecture and creative expression. The expansive atrium bathed in sunlight serves as a visual anchor for visitors, inviting them into a space where beauty and intellectual stimulation converge seamlessly.
Free Admission Policy:
Recognizing that access to art should be universal, Elgiz Museum operates on a free admission policy—making it accessible to visitors from all socioeconomic backgrounds. This commitment underscores the museum’s belief in fostering cultural enrichment for everyone.
What Sets Elgiz Apart
Ultimately, Elgiz Museum distinguishes itself through its unwavering dedication to supporting artistic endeavors and promoting intellectual curiosity. Unlike many governmental institutions, its private funding model affords curators considerable freedom—allowing them to champion ambitious projects and cultivate a vibrant atmosphere of experimentation. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of nurturing creativity within Turkish society. Furthermore, Elgiz’s commitment to fostering dialogue between local and global artistic perspectives ensures that visitors encounter fresh viewpoints and engage in stimulating discussions about the role of art in shaping our understanding of the world. Its mission extends beyond mere display; it aspires to inspire contemplation and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the creative spirit—solidifying its position as Istanbul's premier destination for contemporary art lovers.
