Vered Gallery's Latest Exhibition #NSFW: BODIES Is Not Safe For Work
Vered Gallery is holding a special opening reception for their latest exhibition, #NSFW: BODIES, from 6–8 p.m. on Saturday, February 22.
The show, open now through March 31, features figural works by both renowned modern masters and both established and emerging contemporary artists. “NSFW,” the internet acronym for “Not Safe For Work,” playfully eludes to Vered’s spin on traditional nudes and portraiture—subject matter often not considered appropriate for public viewing. The exhibition comprises paintings, photographs and sculptures by Milton Avery, Willem de Kooning, David Hockney, Steven Klein, Eric Fischl, Larry Rivers, Man Ray, Robert Mapplethorpe, Ray Caesar, Colin Christian, Michael Dweck, William King, Adam Handler, Adam Miller, Ashley Maxwell, Taylor Pilote, Peter Buchman and Jessica Lichtenstein, among others.
Highlights include Larry Rivers’ lyrical triumph, “Ochre Dance,” an homage to Matisse’s seminal masterpiece “La Danse,” as well as “Case Study #13 image no. 01,“ a stunning photographic portrait of actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as a modern family in crisis (see above), by celebrated fashion photographer Steven Klein, and “Untitled 1969 (woman in high heels),” a unique painted armature for an unrealized sculpture by legendary painter Willem de Kooning.
“The unique perspective of this exhibition allows for the viewer to observe the art of nudes and portraiture through the eyes of some of today’s most exciting new talents alongside works of the Modern era from which it was inspired,” the gallery explains, noting that one can see clearly see the evolution of the nude through the 20th and 21st centuries—both aesthetically and conceptually, as one moves from Man Ray’s portraits of Kiki de Montparnesse (1928), to Bert Stern’s iconic portraits of Marilyn Monroe (1962), David Hockney’s cubist, photo collage rendition of actress Theresa Russell (1983), and finally onto Jessica Lichtenstein’s frolicking, manga-inspired nymphs.
The viewer will witness dramatic shifts in how the newest contemporary art movements relate to the subjective concept of physical beauty—understanding how today’s radical new ideas were informed by Modernism, while at the same time trying to reject its tradition, just as 19th century Classicism informed the Modernists who stood against its influence.
Vered Gallery is located at 68 Park Place in East Hampton. Call 631-324-3303 or visit veredcontemporary.com for more info.