The Winter Show: A Journey Through art Across Centuries
The Winter Show at the Park Avenue Armory is not yoru typical art fair. For over seven decades,it has been a treasure trove of antiquities adn fine art,a veritable museum of objects spanning centuries. But in 2016,it took a bold step,embracing works created after 1969.
three years later,the name “Antiques” officially dropped,reflecting a conscious shift towards a more inclusive perspective. Today, in its 71st edition, this year’s fair, a benefit for the East Side House Settlement in the Bronx, feels like a microcosm of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, capturing the breadth and diversity of artistic expression across time.
Wander through the aisles, and you’re transported through history. A medieval English baptismal font, its original stucco preserved, whispers tales of ancient rituals. A vibrant gouache depicting a volcanic eruption in 1830, displayed by Hill-Stone, exudes a strange, jubilant energy, a interesting glimpse into a bygone era.
The fair remains a haven for museum-quality objects, thier unique stories beckoning collectors. Nowhere is this more evident then in the shimmering veneers of two towering Spanish-colonial Peruvian cabinets, their mother-of-pearl inlay a feast for the eyes.
Yet, the weight of history doesn’t overshadow the present. A giant cigarette sculpture, a nod to the influential artist Claes Oldenburg, speaks to the artistic trends of the 1980s. Photorealism from last year, exhibited by Jonathan Cooper, reminds us that innovation continues to thrive. The fair beautifully juxtaposes the past and present, highlighting the threads that connect generations of artists.
Some booths, like those of Joan B. mirviss, Ltd., showcasing exquisite sculptural porcelain and stoneware, seem more aligned with design fairs. This inclusion,while perhaps raising eyebrows among purists,adds a fresh perspective and sheds light on the enduring legacy of certain crafts. The inclusion of Japanese basketry at Thomsen Gallery underscores the timeless artistry of traditional techniques.
As you navigate the winter Show, themes emerge organically. The fair becomes an exploration, prompting reflection on the enduring allure of “Showstopping Masters of Play,” a theme exemplified by the extraordinary collection of playing cards amassed by Belgian land artist Jean Verame.
Daniel Crouch Rare Books has brought some highlights from this collection,”for a seven-figure sum,” making this booth a must-see. The cards offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of play,from an 19th-century Apache deck with sword,bell and button forms painted onto rawhide rectangles to a deck of Paris metro tickets transformed by a talented artist.
Objects That Speak Volumes: Exploring a world of Artistic Expression
Stepping into a world of curated objects is like unlocking a hidden treasure chest filled with stories waiting to be discovered. From intricately crafted furniture to whimsical animal sculptures, each piece whispers tales of bygone eras and the imaginations that brought them to life.
This exploration of artistry transcends time, showcasing objects that once served practical purposes yet have evolved into captivating works of art. Among the treasures, antique furniture holds a prominent place. Imagine a time when education took centre stage, with portable flashcard trunks known as “bureaux typographies.” These ingenious creations, born in 1780s France, embodied the educational ideology of John Locke. These wooden hutches, resembling miniature postal sorting desks, opened up to reveal desktops where children arranged and learned from printed flashcards—a glimpse into a time when knowledge was treasured and education was a tangible experience.
Beyond practicality, these objects often carry an element of playful whimsy. Take, such as, a silver carp by Fabergé, circa 1908. Its bulging glass eyes, when squeezed, activate a guillotine mouth that chomps down on a cigar—a curious and fascinating juxtaposition of art and functionality.
Animal forms frequently enough take center stage, representing a fascinating blend of craftsmanship and symbolic meaning. A meticulously detailed Noah’s Ark set from 1860 Germany,perhaps too precious to ever be played with,becomes a miniature encyclopedia of biblical lore and zoology.
And then there are objects that transcend mere function and venture into the realm of the sublime. A clock made of hollowed-out duck eggs, circa 1900, spins their fragile domes around their axes like a celestial model, each indicating time’s passage at different paces—an exquisite symphony of nature and invention.
The evolution of art takes on new meaning when we see how contemporary artists interpret themes explored centuries ago. Ayesha Gamiet’s luminous bird paintings, brimming with vibrant colours achieved using hand-ground pigments and generous dashes of shell gold, speak to this ongoing dialog. Gamiet’s captivating bird paintings,drawn inspiration from “The conference of the Birds”,a profound Sufi poem.Their deep hues invite viewers into a realm where nature, spirituality, and artistic brilliance intertwine. Each stroke embodies the poetic beauty of flight, change, and the search for enlightenment, reflecting the timeless relevance of these ancient themes.
Love, Loss, and Battles: Exploring the Nuances of Human Connection Through Antiquity
A captivating exhibition of antique art reveals a profound exploration of human emotions, from the tenderness of love to the raw brutality of violence.
A stunning gimmel ring from circa 1750 England, housed in the booth of Les Enluminures (A6), eloquently captures the complexities of commitment. The gimmel ring, a symbol of betrothal, features three interlocking hoops that unite two small, enameled hands around a central cluster of ruby and diamond. Even though frequently enough associated with engagement, the inscription “Gage D’amitie,” or “token of friendship,” inscribed within the ring, invites a deeper contemplation. Could this be a gesture of platonic affection culminating in marriage? It underscores the idea that marriage, “after all, is a contract,” a binding agreement that transcends mere romantic sensibilities.
Didier, Ltd. (D6), showcased another unique piece reflecting the depths of human connection. A brooch by French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, titled “You are my bird,” from 1973 embodies a peculiar expression of affection, highlighting the artist’s unconventional perspective on intimacy. This brightly colored enamel-on-gold brooch, resembling an audacious, whimsical creature, possesses an alluring charm that invites both curiosity and contemplation.
In stark contrast to these expressions of love and friendship, the exhibition also delved into the darker aspects of human nature. A haunting ivory figurine by 18th-century German sculptor Simon Troger, showcased by European Decorative Arts Company, A11, depicts the biblical tale of Cain and abel. The raw brutality of the scene is palpable: Cain, with a cruel expression, thrusts his weapon into abel’s groin, while Abel’s face contorts in a silent scream.The detail meticulously carved by Troger, from the grimaces of pain to the wood-like texture of the cudgel, adds a chilling layer of realism to this ancient drama.
The exhibition underscores the enduring power of art to encapsulate the full spectrum of human experience – the tender, the tragic, and the violent. It invites us to reflect upon the complexities of our emotions, the depths of our relationships, and the stark realities of life and death.
Amidst the polished elegance of Austrian artistry at Kunsthandel Nikolaus Kolhammer, a jarring splash of crimson pigment stands out. Hermann Nitsch’s 2014 acrylic splattered onto burlap, presented with a touch of irony, provides a stark contrast to the refined surroundings.
Art and Pathos: The Sorrow and the Pity
Auguste Rodin’s iconic bronze sculpture,”Burghers of Calais,” commissioned in 1884,captures the poignant moment when six noblemen offered themselves as hostages to save their besieged city.This powerful piece, depicting the citizens’ selfless sacrifice, finds new resonance in the Winter Show veteran Bernard Goldberg Fine Arts’ acquisition of a rare, complete miniature series. These smaller versions, cast during Rodin’s lifetime, reveal unique nuances in each figure’s expression.Unlike the Met museum’s full-scale bronze cast, dating back to 1985, the miniatures highlight the individuality within the collective anguish, showcasing emotions ranging from ecstatic abandon to quiet contemplation. each sculpture boasts a distinctive patina, reflecting the passage of time and lending a tangible presence to the heroes’ sacrifice.
French legend has it that these brave burghers were ultimately spared, highlighting Rodin’s ability to evoke the triumph of life over death. This thematic echo resonates with Ed Clark’s abstract etching, acquired from Dolan/Maxwell, also on display at the Winter Show. Clark’s 1982 artwork, characterized by a buried sunset of yearning red and blue, punctuated by bands of gold, speaks to the enduring power of sacrifice and hope.
Witness these captivating masterpieces and explore a diverse array of art at The Winter Show, running through February 2nd at the Park Avenue Armory. Don’t miss this chance to delve into a world of artistic brilliance and discover the stories waiting to be told.
