From September 18, 2011 to January 2012, the Eileen S. Kaminsky Foundation and Mana Art Center will present highlights from the Meisels’ personal art collection. Our Own Directions: Works from the Louis K. and Susan P. Meisel Collection assembles Photorealist paintings, photographs and sculpture from 1968 to the present day. The exhibition will feature the work of 38 artists including founding members of the Photorealist movement Richard Estes, Ralph Goings, Chuck Close, Charles Bell, Audrey Flack, Don Eddy, Robert Bechtle and as well as their contemporary counterparts such as Roberto Bernardi, sculptor John DeAndrea, Raphaella Spence, Bertrand Meniel and Yigal Ozeri.
Rosie’s Diner #10 Robert Gniewek 2011 oil on canvas 30 x 40″
The exhibition will also feature key works from the Meisels’ collection of Abstract Illusionism from the mid-1970s, which fuses hard-edge and expressionistic abstract painting styles that employed the use of perspective, artificial light sources, and simulated cast shadows to achieve the trompe l’oeil illusion of 3D space on a 2D surface.
The work of 20th century Pin-up illustrators such as Gil Elvgren, George Petty and Alberto Vargas will be presented as well as a selection of paintings by Pop artist Mel Ramos, whose work serves as the collections’ bridge between the American figuration of the Pin-up movement to the Photorealism of today.
“Our collecting is an intellectual pursuit,” said Louis K. Meisel. “We are not part of the herd. We do not collect to gain status nor for investment… It’s a life’s work and recreation.”
About Mana Art Center:
An industrial complex converted into a pristine setting for the safekeeping of works of art, Mana Art Center is at once a haven for contemporary art and a vibrant, innovative venue for artists, collectors, institutions, musicians, performers, students and the greater community. Mana Art Center opened to the public on May 15, 2011. For more information, please visit www.artmanafest.com
About ESKFF:
Mana Art Center’s 4,000-square-foot 6th floor is the new home of the Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation. Inspired by her experience as a collector, Eileen S. Kaminsky set out to create a collaborative environment that facilitates the exchange of ideas and expressions.
Mana Art Center
888 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, NJ 07806
www.artmanafest.com
