Opening reception of the Brand 52 annual work on paper exhibition, 15th June 2024
I ought to have posted this sooner, but with distractions of the day to day… better late than never.
The Brand Library in Glendale CA ( https://www.brandlibrary.org ) is a treasure house , a library possessing a wealth of knowledge concerning the arts, visual, musical, literary. Annually the library hosts a renowned national juried exhibition devoted exclusively to works on paper, this was the 52nd, and this year juried by the esteemed art critic Shana Nys Dambrot. Apparently this year saw the largest number of artworks submitted, 1,574, and the largest number shown for exhibition, 102. I am honored that my submission, The Xibalba Codex was included…all 68 drawings, skillfully hung.
(I had provided a schematic, which the Brand team followed to the letter, gratitude for that.)
schematic for hanging the 68 drawings of The Xibalba Codex
I am very appreciative of the Brand, Debra Thompson, Brand 52 Chair, the excellent staff at the Brand and especially Shana Nys Dambrot who has over the years supported, exhibited and most importantly , most gratifyingly , understood my work, “getting” the work. Every artist wishes to be understood, Shana’s stamp of approval is validation indeed .
With my dear, most loved friend, Mary Jane Jones, honored she made the opening reception.My friend, fellow artist, Dwora Fried with her assemblage piece included in the Brand 52My friend and fellow visionary Faina Kumpan , her work always a delight.Once again, with Faina and my dear spirit sister , the very talented Jodi Bonassi.
I had never seen all 68 drawings hung at once, sequentially , it was gratifying (if difficult to capture); equally gratifying was the placement of the work, first work upon entering the gallery, honored to have had such a prominent position.
A few shots of the 68 drawings:
Lastly, all the drawings are available for purchase through this Blurb link:
The following images are of available art that I have discounted for my upcoming studio sale; generally about half of the regular studio price-some even more deeply discounted due to storage and shipping concerns.
My moving sale will be Saturday July 16th, I would love to see folks in person. If you cannot make it certainly reach out to me (cell 310-498-0817) and we can make arrangements . Payment plans considered, my aim is finding new collectors and good homes for my work. Reach out should you have any questions. Sorry to say , pick up only, I am not available to offer shipping right now.
With that in mind, thanks for considering my work.
The Temptation of Saint Anthony of the Desert 2013 oil on canvas 36 by 48 inches
This is my first of many Temptations, Anthony is a self portrait. Originally listed at $3500.00 now available at $2150.00 (unless my husband asks me to keep it ).
The Apotheosis of Sophia 2014 Oil on panel 24 by 18
Originally listed at $2100.00, now $1250.00 SOLD
The Presentation at the Temple 2014 oil on canvas 40 by 30 inches
Originally listed at $1600.00, now $450.00
The Resurrection of the Father (watercolor) 2013 watercolor on paper, framed, under glass 18 by 24 inches, unframed dimensions
One of the earliest Popol Vuh works, originally listed at $2400.00, now $800.00, handsomely matted and framed.
Icarus 2013 Watercolor on paper 18 by 24 inches, unframed dimensions
Icarus is handsomely matted and framed, was $1800.00, now $400.00/SOLD
Resurrection of the Father (oil) 2013 oil on canvas 40 by 50 inches
Large, striking canvas of the Hero Twins,originally $3200.00, now sharply reduced for swift sale $500.00
Castration of Uranus 2015 Watercolor and graphite on paper 11 by 14, unframed dimensions; matted and framed
Definitely NSF , also nicely matted and framed (I keep framers busy), was $1800.00, now $500.00/SOLD
Patroclus Fallen 2013 or so Pencil on paper 23 by 29 matted and framed
Again, handsome presentation suitable to a Homeric hero, matted and framed, was $1100.00, now $350.00/SOLD
The Anointing 2015 acrylic on paper 20 by 28 inches
My Hero Twins are also nicely matted and framed and attractively priced, originally $1600.00, now available for collecting $750.00/SOLD
Herakles & Telephos 2015 watercolor and graphite on paper 12 by 9 inches, the unframed dimensions
I really like the framing and matting on this work, a playful pink matting adds just the right over the top touch for a mighty macho fellow. Was $1600.00, now $800.00
Jumping Tlaloc 2015 or so acrylic painted cardboard, brads, twine. The size of a small man
Of a series of oversized jumping paper dolls, pull his string, he does a little jig. He is a little shop worn (he is cardboard, his right hand slightly wrinkled). He was $500.00, now $150.00
Lavinia 2015 acrylic on canvas 20 by 16 inches
Lavinia and Second Apparition below were part of a series depicting favorite scenes from Shakespeare’s dramas (Titus Andronicus and Macbeth).
Lavinia was $800.00, now $400.00
The Second Apparition (of Macbeth) 2015 acrylic on canvas 20 by 16 inches
This scene from Macbeth priced as above, was $800.00, now $400.00
Coatlicue 2013 oil on canvas 36 by 24 inches
One of my early Mesoamerican themed paintings, Coatlicue the mother of the war god Huitzilopotchtli, frequently compared to the Virgin Mary of the Aztec pantheon. Originally inspired by a dream, initially listed at $1600.00, now $450.00 SOLD
The Great War God Huitzilopochtli 2015 oil on canvas 12 by 8 inches
Speaking of the Great War God Huitzilopochtli. this small but mighty painting is a fitting companion to the fiery Madonna and Child above. Was $900.00, now listed at $450.00 SOLD
Strange Fruit (Popol vuh series) 2013 or so oil on canvas 30 by 20 inches
Early work exploring the mysteries of the Popol Vuh, was $1600.00, now $400.00/SOLD
The First Popol Vuh 2013 mixed media 24 by 36 inches
The very first of what would be many Popol Vuh works, of Hero Twins, Death Gods, Xibalba the Maya Underworld, martyred Maize Gods, this a theatrical mixed media spectacle . Never before listed let alone shown, lets say $400.00
Philoctotes date unknown oil study on cardboard 24 by 18 inches
I have quite a few studies and daubs such as Philoctotesabove, most priced at $75.00 or so. I also have quite a few drawings and studies for browsing and most likely gifting.
I hope to see you there, again, the date is Saturday, July 16th, 2022, between 11 am and 3 pm at my studio, 6404 Wilshire Blvd., suite 1030 (not far west from LACMA). The building is locked most of Saturday so give me a ring at 310-498-0817 and I can let you in. I can let you in for parking as well.
A newly completed work on paper, pencil and gouache expressing my confusion, dismay and anxiety concerning multiple new realities, be it social upheaval identity obsessions , pronoun hysteria , language police, climate vulnerability , and now martial aggression in Eastern Europe.
Bread and circuses, be it foolish political distractions, petty grievances and mindless entertainment seems to be what society craves most .
I’m just trying to navigate the onslaught .
Panem et Circenses 2022 pencil, gouache on toned paper 19 by 25 inches
Dense image, some details might be in order:
Detail including self portrait in commedia costume.Detail, me, telling the White Man he is indeed Dead.
More background detail.The germ of the work, a quick notebook sketch.Panem et Circenses 2022 pencil, gouache on toned paper 19 by 25 inches
There comes a point that an artist just needs room, and storing works gets rather expensive, with that in mind I felt it time to actively try to offer my work to potential collectors. The link below will allow you to browse oil paintings, watercolor paintings, acrylic paintings, drawings, soft sculpted Stuffed Paintings-I will post more as I go through my files.
If you have any questions or requests for works not shown please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at neobaroque@mac.com, I’d be happy to chat with you.
LG
Link can be found on side bar under Available Work and here:
In my ongoing examination of sacred work, an extension of my own feet-in the-ground-butt-in-the-pew spiritual experimentations , during the past Holy Week I spent my studio time with the Way of the Cross. I have resisted attending Catholic Mass for decades, I’ve attended Episcopal services off and on for years, and while I have felt welcome, I personally felt ill at ease, a nagging longing that something was missing-no matter how High the service. So I did experiment, I attended Good Friday services at a pretty little church in Eagle Rock, and it was sweet to see the devout earnestly visiting each Station, uttering by rote their own passionate pleas. But the service itself, a public forum , where congregants, in the manner of our Protesting brothers and sisters were proclaiming their own gospels. It was too much for me to bear, and shamefacedly, halfway through, I slithered out of my pew and back to my studio. I haven’t given up yet, but in many ways my studio is my temple. The following drawing is my own fervent desire to Walk the Way of the Cross; on my own path.
The Way of the Cross 2019 Sanguine and white charcoal highlights on toned paper 18 by 24 inches
In this synoptic composition, from left to right, I have depicted our Lord as the Ecce Homo, the terrible mocking rabble, Pontius Pilate, the Holy Fool Lazarus, the Fishermen’s boat, the Blessed Mother as the Dolorosa, the Baptist, the Crucified Lamb and Veronica with her Veil.
Relating to this theme is a recently recieved image of The Anchorite’s Cross , part of my Embodied: St. Anthony & the Desert of Tears installation.
The Anchorite’s Cross 2019 Mixed media: acrylic painted canvas, recycled fiber, beads, bells, embroidery floss, poly-fil, vintage furniture and metal work, vintage fabric. Cross 60 by 32 by 10 inches approximately; total installation variable upon site.
The Stations of the Cross are rarely out of sight, for decades this Victorian Station, Station V, with Simon willingly or begrudgingly helping the staggering Lord, has hung over every drawing desk since meeting David 26 years ago. This is how it looks today.
Wilshire Blvd. studio 2019
In addition to Christian themes, I have tackled classical themes such as my well explored affair with Herakles, like Christ, I find him irresistible.
The Labors of Herakles 2019 Sanguine with white charcoal highlights, on toned paper Diptych, total 24 by 36 inches
Orpheus another tragic hero that inspires me.
Orpheus’ Descent 2018 Sanguine and colored pencil on toned paper 18 by 24 inches
And of descending into the Underworld, Christ’s own Harrowing of Hell.
The Harrowing of Hell 2018 Sanguine, white chalk highlights on toned paper 24 by 18 inches
I’m actually supposed to be drawing instead of posting so I must complete this post but the view from my new studio is distracting me delightfully.
My new studio with a view (10th floor), Wilshire Bld., LA
I am preparing my annual entries to a works on paper show here in LA and in so doing focusing my studio time with that more ephemeral medium. In particular, paper dolls, which have long held an interest, harkening back to my fussy sissy boyhood. Fond , forbidden moments snipping away ; this drove my father to fury and violence ,so now, in revisiting this artform, I do so with emotion and gratitude.
My studio complex is an industrial space, and in the recycling bin can be found beautiful clean , rather low grade sheets of cardboard; all for the taking. And taking I have been doing. Large scale paper dolls, and larger planned, have occupied my work table. One of the problems I and others have encountered in working with paper-dolls , is a sense of durability. Inherently ephemeral, how does one strengthen such fragile material. This low grade cardboard (yet free!) has an unsightly edge that I find distracting and unfinished. My solution, perhaps unsurprisingly, is to employ yet another sissy art ( and equally infuriating to Pater) , stitchwork. By a simple stitch of embroidery floss , I strengthen and add an exciting line of color. I confess a certain pride in this, and stitching cardboard is immensely gratifying, not unlike popping those addictive sheets of packing bubbles. I recommend trying it to relieve stress.
My latest trio of paper-dolls are completed but more are planned, this grouping, the largest figure about 36 inches tall, is called The Siren & the Machiavels.
Leonard Greco “The Siren & the Machiavels” 2018 Acrylic paint, cardboard, embroidery floss, feathers.
detail shots:
The SirenThe Machiavels
filtered, how does one resist?
In addition to my paper-doll making , I continue my daily drawing practice. In the same spirit of the nursery, like paper-dolls, another staple of childhood, the ornamental and instructive alphabet:
A is for AladdinB is for BaalC is for Commedia (& Chinoserie)D is for DeathE is for Egyptomania ( see last post)F is for Faun ( & Flora)G is for Greenman (& Ganymede & Griffin)
I will continue through with this alphabet and post upon its completion. For today, as it Sunday, household, not studio duties beckon.
Boondocks Babylon 