Boston Expressionism: Other Voices
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Hyman Bloom, Séance II, c.1955-57 oil on canvas, 56 x 48 inches Collection Danforth Museum of Art Gift of Herbert P. and Marylou Gray |
September 11, 2010 — November 7, 2010
Opening Reception September 12, 5 - 7 pm
›› View Related Classes in the Danforth Museum School
About the Exhibit
Boston Expressionism, which emerged in the World War II era, has long existed outside the mainstream of contemporary art. Its artists painted realistically at a time when abstraction was the trend. Yet these artists explore human emotion and spirituality with color and imagination. Artists such as Hyman Bloom, and Jack Levine represent a fascinating cross-section of Boston Expressionism. Having grown up in the Jewish immigrant communities of Boston, the artists often draw on their Eastern European heritage. These artists worked from memory rather than directly from nature, depicting scenes inspired by the Hebrew Talmud, classical music, or very personal memories.
A second generation of Boston Expressionist artists included David Aronson, Jason Berger, Arthur Polonsky, Henry Schwartz and others. Most of these artists studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts under the direction of Karl Zerbe, and remained committed to representational figuration at a time when the contemporary art world embraced abstraction, pop and minimalism.
A third generation of Boston Expressionist artists appeared in the 1970’s and 80’s, and continue working today. They include such diverse painters as Aaron Fink, Gerry Bergstein, Jon Imber and others. While all unique, their work continues a tradition of painterly expressionism, expanding our consideration of painting in a digital age.
Read more about Boston Expressionism at the Danforth Museum of Art.
Artists Featured in the Exhibit
Works by David Aronson, Hyman Bloom, Nathan Goldstein, and Henry Schwartz showcase the historical roots of Boston Expressionism from the 1930’s through the 1960’s. Photographer Jules Aarons documented the West End neighborhood where Hyman Bloom grew up. More recent works by Aaron Fink, Gerry Bergstein and Jane Smaldone allow viewers to trace the influence and continued presence of Boston Expressionism.
Related Classes in the Danforth Museum School
Call 508.620.0937 for tuition and pre-registration information or register online.
Friday, October 1, 4-6pm First Friday Gallery Tour in South Boston with Katherine French
Sunday, October 3, 1:30-3pm Katherine French on Boston Expressionism (Bloom/Levine)
Sunday, November 7, 1:30-3pm Katherine French on Boston Expressionism (Aronson/Schwartz)
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