Rehs Contemporary, located in New York City, breaks from tradition this year with their annual Small Works Show.In the past, the gallery featured select works from its robust inventory of contemporary, small-scale gems, but the 2023 show will have “fresh, never-before-offered paintings,” promises gallery director Alyssa Rehs.
Amanda Greive, Crow Knows, oil on panel, 12 x 11"
“We understand that people are constantly seeking something special, intriguing and one-of-a-kind for that certain someone,” Rehs continues. “A painting is the ideal choice, and the best part is that each of these exquisite pieces is perfectly sized to nestle under a festive holiday tree! The exhibition boasts a diverse array of genres, encompassing everything from engaging still lifes and breathtaking landscapes, to captivating animal portraits and a myriad of other artistic expressions.”
Show attendees will be privy to small masterpieces like Amanda Greive’s 11-by-12-inch figurative painting Crow Knows.“While this piece features my daughter, something I’ve not undertaken previously, it definitely fits into my oeuvre in the sense that it examines her life as she transitions from a child to a teenager, but also how she has impacted my life as her mother,” Greive explains.
David Palumbo, Sparrow, oil on panel, 8 x 6"
“There was a lot of thought that went into this piece before it was even drawn on the panel,” the artist continues. “It was important to me to create a composition that was interesting and symbolic without being too precious. It was also important to discuss with my daughter how she would feel about the painting—how she was most comfortable being portrayed. She often brings home bottle caps, dead moths, pieces of glass, all a myriad of junk that she has picked up and finds interesting or pretty. It is because she brings home these ‘treasures’ that I call her my little crow…The blindfold serves as way to shield her from awareness of all the negativity that we encounter once we grow up.”
Timothy Jahn showcases works like the interior scene Sanctuary, from a series the artist has expanded upon by delving deeper into the narrative potential. “While my previous works have often focused on standalone ideas or imagery, this new direction seeks to weave a larger tapestry of interconnected spaces, sparking the imagination and inviting viewers to explore the uncharted corners of these intriguing worlds,” he says.
Alexandra Klimas, What Did You Say?, oil on panel, 5 x 4"
Jahn explains that Sanctuary was “carefully crafted to evoke a sense of serenity amidst its intricate details. The inspiration behind this work was to offer viewers a haven where they could pause and find respite from the bustling world around them. It’s akin to creating a space that beckons people to sit down and take a mental break, inviting them to get lost in the enchanting world of their favorite book. The piece conveys a message of tranquility and a refuge for the mind, encapsulating the idea of finding solace and inner peace in the midst of life’s chaos.”
Tim Jahn, Sanctuary, oil on panel, 7 x 5"
The show will also include depictions of animals, as in tiny oil paintings like Sparrow. After moving to a more rural area outside of Philadelphia, artist David Palumbo became fascinated by the many animals that now share his space. “The first interaction that I had was with frogs, which live in a pond behind the house,” says Palumbo. “They’re just living their lives parallel to mine, day or night and rain or shine. Then I started seeing deer passing through regularly.”
Brett Scheifflee, Frost Warning, oil on panel, 6 x 8"
Palumbo explains that the inspiration for his show piece came about while waiting for the local deer to come through. “This sparrow came along and it hopped about for a while and I took some photos and then it flew away,” he remembers. “I noticed, though it does not show in the painting, that it had an injury but seemed to be getting along. A few days later, I was closing up my studio and, as I was stepping out, I saw the same sparrow sitting on my doorstep just inches away. It was clearly ill and so I scooped it up and rushed it to a local wildlife rescue. And then I did this painting of the little bird that, intentionally or by accident, came to my door for help.”
Lucia Heffernan, Miss Flapper Mouse, oil on panel, 5 x 5"
This delightful small works show, continuing through December 29, will include over 40 pieces, viewable online and in person. Rehs also notes that for those with holiday celebrations in mind, all purchases made by November 30 will arrive promptly in time for Hanukkah, while those ordered by December 8 will be delivered before Christmas and Kwanzaa. —
Rehs Contemporary Galleries, Inc., 20 W. 55th Street, 5th Floor • New York, NY 10019 • (212) 355-5710 • www.rehs.com
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