RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, New York, hosts its annual BIG ART, small canvas exhibition beginning October 31, featuring an array of artwork by some of its most sought-after gallery artists. The show is wide ranging in its subject matter, with everything from figures to still lifes captured in the small-scale format. Among those participating are Alexander Klingspor, Frank Oriti, P. Smallwood, Suzy Smith, Armando Valero, Salvatore Alessi and Juan Béjar.
Frank Oriti, AF1 Low Cactus Jack, oil on canvas, 20 x 16"
Salvatore Alessi, White Noise, oil on canvas, 15 5⁄8 x 11¾"
“Our annual BIG ART, small canvas exhibition has been appreciated and well-utilized by collectors at all levels. They recognize the well-priced diversity of the smaller unique artworks that we offer for holiday gift giving and to fill the small, open spaces in their homes, waiting for just the right treasure to be found,” says gallery owner Richard J. Demato. “The featured artists are masters of the canvas, creating small masterpieces with big appeal. As an added incentive, we are also offering free shipping for the holidays.”
Klingspor’s works in the show include two paintings from his Eat The Night series, which is inspired by his New York City friends who are mostly from the burlesque performance world. Cassandra depicts Cassandra Rosebeetle, while Pete’s Tavern is his artist friend David Peña at Pete’s Tavern on Irving Place in Gramercy, where they used to go to dinner.
Armando Valero, Jacinta y sus tres alegres comadres, oil on canvas, 14 x 11"
P. Smallwood, Lunch at the Lagoon, watercolor on paper, 13¼ x 9½"
Oriti’s newest body of work features everyday items that he considers objects of beauty. “These colorful and unique ‘portraits’ of sneakers allow us a glimpse into a rich and constantly evolving culture,” he shares. Included in the show are AF1 Low Cactus Jack and Jordan 4x Levi’s Denim, which he says, “reference some of my other paintings in which the intense study of different materials like denim and leather are the main focus.”
In her paintings, Smith often references pop culture, art or other traditions, such as seen in her pieces American Woman and Lagrimas. “There are few things that are more iconic than the American flag, and [American Woman] uses Jasper Johns’ pop art rendition of Flag as a backdrop to my beautiful American woman. She exudes a confident look, away from the viewer, and I like the difference in texture between the model and the background,” explains Smith.
Suzy Smith, American Woman, oil on canvas, 12 x 12"
Frank Oriti, Jordan 4x Levi’s Denim, oil on canvas, 15 x 20"
Another one of Smith’s paintings, Lagrimas, meaning tears in Spanish, recalls her fascination with Día de los Muertos that came from living in New Mexico for 20 years. Smith says, “This Mexican tradition is a beautiful way to remember loved ones who have died. It is associated with Halloween, in the U.S., and All Saints’ Day or All Souls’ Day, in Mexico and around the world. It is also celebrated as a holy day in the Catholic Church. The holiday is a celebration where family and friends gather to pray for and remember those who have passed away. [They honor] the deceased by dressing up in makeup that resembles skulls or skeletons and decorating gravesites with flowers, usually marigolds. After my father passed away I painted this painting to grieve his loss and celebrate his life.”
Suzy Smith, Lagrimas, oil on canvas, 24 x 20"
Memories of life are behind every painting that Valero paints, including his works Jacinta y sus tres alegres comadres and Girl with a flower. “All the scenes I paint are situated in the field, out there underneath the sun or the stars. Having a visual memory makes it easy for me to remember even the small details of every experience out there. I love the freedom of ample spaces, immense cloud formations, the soft noise of ocean waves, prairies in full bloom and my reaction to it,” he says, adding that for every painting he writes a poem.
P. Smallwood, Pigtails, watercolor on paper, 11 x 14"
Smallwood’s paintings, such as Lunch at the Lagoon and Pigtails, are inspired by real experiences. “Lunch at the Lagoon was an exercise born out of our annual August retreats to Martha’s Vineyard,” he says. “That year, like every year’s outing, consisted of a laundry list of supplies including camera, tripod, sketching and painting materials. Routinely, this is a time for exploration and the generation of fresh source material to later be deciphered back in the studio. The house we stayed in was set on a beautiful lagoon that was a central part of our social gatherings on the island. An array of friends and family would convene at the watering hole, children included.”
Pigtails came about from his involvement with the Haitian-based nonprofit organization Wings of Refuge, which provided care, housing and education for orphans after the 2010 earthquake. “A neighbor happened to be one of the directors of the program, and after attending a local fundraising event, I became more involved and ultimately set out to capture the images of these majestic souls,” says Smallwood. “On a regular basis, I would receive inspirational photos and updates of the children. Soon there were growing and breathing spirits that I had become deeply connected with. I was left with an obvious creative opportunity and challenge that is ongoing. Partial proceeds from the sales of these works are donated to Wings of Refuge. Today these young adults are well on their way to full and productive lives based on the love and care of many.”
Armando Valero, Girl with a white flower, oil on canvas, 14 x 11"
Juan Béjar, El Camino, oil on wood, 18 x 15"
Alessi’s White Noise is from a series of small paintings are based on the theme of “time and existence itself as reality,” he says. “I’ve always wondered what is real and what it means to exist and how time contains all this.” In this painting, and others that are available at the gallery, he tries to investigate and understand “the relationship between time and the existence of man.”
BIG ART, small canvas will be on view at the gallery through November 30. —
RJD Gallery
2385 Main Street • Bridgehampton, NY 11932
(631) 725-1161 • www.rjdgallery.com
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