ArtExpertOnLine

      It was 1936 and America was still struggling to work its way out of the American Depression when Russian born, American painter, Raphael Soyer (1899-1987) created Office Girls .  Considered a Social Realist, Soyer was one of several painters and photographers documenting the everyday worker, the working class.     Viewing this painting today, the first thing that "pops" to me is the term in the title:  Girl  - a title hopefully now restricted to females under the age of 18.  But in 1936 it was in common use for all females, even those we see here, the women employed by choice or necessity.  Here, are women of New York moving about on the street, coming or going to their offices.  The title hints that most are not in prestigious positions, but possibly secretarial clerks, typists, receptionist.   All are women, with the exception of one man to the far left.  We see little of him, and only notice he is unshaven and looking not at us, but the clean, well dressed women

   I thought it was time to look at something really fun this week. So, I give you Rene Magritte (1898 - 1967) and Voice of Space.  Magritte was Belgium surrealist whose work became universally popular late in his life influencing pop art and music, and minimalism.  He was part of a group of European surrealist during the 1920's thru 1940's.   This is a very difficult period in world history which is  completely reflected in this movement.    Surrealism, by definition, presents a dream like quality, and Magritte in particular, loves to challenge our perception of reality.  His precision painting adds to the mystery of seeing three metal bells floating above the earth.     My personal love of Magritte's work comes from his skies.   Often he selects a particular time of day that looks "right" but is it?   Here we have light at the horizon with a deepening of color moving to the top and no strong shadows on the landscape.  Has the sun set, not risen yet? Is this

  Color!  Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) loved it.  It not only defined his paintings, but his mature life style.  He was definitely an interesting, controversial and "colorful" man.  Here we have Le Sourcier d'Hiva Oa, ( Marquesan Man in Red Cape ); which can be translated to The Wizard of Hiva Oa.   It was painted in 1902, a year before Gauguin's death.  In 1901 Gauguin made his final move to the village of Atuona on the island of Hiva Oa, part of the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean.  Here, he befriended this man, a figure much feared by natives because his powers as a wizard.  Some have speculated Gauguin saw him as a third sexual being, being a mix of male and female.    For us the painting is typical of Gauguin's Polynesian work as it blends bright, vivid color with native figures in their natural setting, and suggesting some symbolism.     Gauguin was a life long friend of French painter, Edgar Degas.  I have mentioned Degas be

     Are you curious?   What is this painting ?  Georg Schrimpt (1889-1938 is the artist, and he titled it, On the Terrace (Self-Portrait).  Titles are often a clue as to the artist's intent, and this one, certainly mystifies.  On the surface we see two men sitting close on an outdoor terrace, by a calm sea.  We can see one man in profile, but only the back of the other.  From this angle, and the hint from the title, Schrimpt is probably representing himself, twice.   The profile figure seems to be in deep thought, and we see no indication the other is speaking, but the bottle suggests they have shared a drink.   And, where are we in this scene?  I think we are sitting, too, maybe at a nearby table, eavesdropping!   The turn of the chairs, the dark wall and overhanging canopy indicate a private conversation - that Schrimpt is having with himself?    I think so.  What's your opinion?    Schrimpt was a German artist and a quick review of his short life indicated it was not ent