• “Summer breeze makes me feel fine
    Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind
     
     ― Seals and Crofts

    Summer Breeze features an exceptional selection of works by Henri Matisse, Ellsworth Kelly, David Hockney, Josef Albers, Sam Gilliam, and Alex Katz. From Matisse's lush trees of the South of France to Hockney's iconic California swimming pools, the works presented here encapsulate the essence of summertime, celebrating its vibrant energy and serene beauty. By exploring themes, colors, and compositional ideas, these artists evoke the contemporary emotions and experiences associated with summer, resonating with the season's delightful ambiance.

     

    Henri Matisse's drawing of fig leaves from 1941 exemplifies the lushness and vitality of summer foliage. The delicate, flowing lines of the vegetation create a sense of movement and growth, embodying the natural exuberance of the season. This work, with its emphasis on simplicity and elegance, invites viewers to appreciate the subtle beauty found in nature's details, integrating seamlessly with the overall theme of the exhibition.

     

    Josef Albers’ Homage to the Square, with its yellow hues, offers a minimalist yet profound exploration of color and form. The concentric squares of varying shades of yellow draw the eye inward, creating a sense of depth and luminosity. Albers’ meticulous arrangement of color echoes the intensity of the summer sun, radiating warmth and vibrancy. This piece, in dialogue with Ellsworth Kelly’s Jaune, underscores the emotional impact of color, emphasizing how a single hue can evoke the joyous and invigorating essence of a sunny summer day. Sam Gilliam's abstract work in gouache and watercolor adds to this exploration with its vibrant yellow and intricate textures, capturing the dynamic and energetic essence of summer.

     

    Alex Katz's portraits with a straw hat epitomize the leisurely elegance of summer. The simplicity of the composition, combined with the bold, flat colors, captures a moment of quiet contemplation. The woman’s hat, a classic symbol of summer, provides shade and a sense of comfort, much like the gentle summer breeze that blows through the jasmine in one’s mind. Katz’s portrait evokes a sense of timeless beauty and sophistication, reflecting the tranquil and reflective moments that summer often brings.

     

    David Hockney's swimming pool captures the quintessential summer experience with its depiction of a shimmering pool under the California sun. The vibrant blues and geometric precision of the pool tiles contrast with the soft, inviting water, creating a visual harmony that invites viewers to dive into the scene. Hockney’s work is a testament to the joy and relaxation that summer brings, much like the soothing refrain of Summer Breeze by Seals and Crofts. This iconic lithograph embodies the refreshing and carefree spirit of summer days spent by the poolside, where time seems to stand still.

  • David Hockney, Lithograph of Water Made of Thick and Thin Lines and Two Light Blue Washes, 1978-1980

    David Hockney

    Lithograph of Water Made of Thick and Thin Lines and Two Light Blue Washes, 1978-1980
    Lithograph in colors on TGL handmade paper
    26 x 34 3/8 in (66 x 87.3 cm)
    Edition of 40, plus 16 AP
  • Ellsworth Kelly, Jaune (Yellow), 1964-1965

    Ellsworth Kelly

    Jaune (Yellow), 1964-1965
    One color lithograph on Rives BFK paper
    35 1/4 x 23 1/4 in (89.5 x 60.3 cm)
    Edition of 75, plus 9 AP
  • Josef Albers, I-S f, 1970

    Josef Albers

    I-S f, 1970
    Screenprint in colors on German Etching paper
    21 1/2 x 21 1/2 in (54.6 x 54.6 cm)
    Edition of 125
    $ 25,000.00
  • Alex Katz, Straw Hat 2, 2022

    Alex Katz

    Straw Hat 2, 2022
    Archival pigment ink on Innova Etching Cotton Rag 315 gsm paper
    48 x 36 in (122 x 91 cm)
    Edition of 100, plus 20 AP
    $ 30,000.00
  • Alex Katz, Straw Hat 1, 2022

    Alex Katz

    Straw Hat 1, 2022
    Archival pigment ink on Innova Etching Cotton Rag 315 gsm paper
    36 x 36 in (91.4 x 91.4 cm)
    Edition of 150, plus 20 AP
    $ 25,000.00