Acquavella Galleries is pleased to present Off Canvas: Drawing from April 15 – June 12, 2015. This survey presents works on paper by a range of modern masters, among them: Vija Celmins, Salvador Dali, Andre Derain, Richard Diebenkorn, Jean Dubuffet, Sam Francis, Lucian Freud, Philip Guston, Jasper Johns, Henri Matisse, Manolo Millares, Pablo Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, Jean Paul Riopelle, James Rosenquist, Ed Ruscha, David Smith, Wayne Thiebaud, and Andy Warhol. With a focus on all facets of drawing, this exhibition is an exploration of method, and will include works executed in pastel, watercolor, gouache, and collage, in addition to graphite, charcoal, and ink on paper.
The varied nature of this exhibition speaks to the infinite capabilities of drawing as an artistic technique. Several of the works included, among them Ed Ruscha’s Rusty Silencers (1979) and Vija Celmins’ Untitled (Regular Desert) (1973), are iconic representations of an extraordinarily meticulous mark-making practice. More spontaneously drawn works in this exhibition, like Henri Matisse’s Vase de lierre (1915) and Lucian Freud’s Cacti and Stuffed Bird (1943), shed light on the origins of a distinct artistic idea. Casually rendered, these drawings of household objects present personal moments from within the varied oeuvres of two of the most prolific artists.
This exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue.