Expressionism Videos

James Kalm makes a pre-Halloween visit to bring viewers some tricks and treats from the painterly grab bag of Nicole Eisenman.

InterpolLeif Eriksonedited byInfinite Green 28 All about the emotional splendor of the fairer sex. (no copyright infringement intended)

James Kalm visits some of the artsy sites on West 11th Street before dropping in spontaneously on Rick Prol. Prol has been a controversial long time presence on the New York painting scene. Coming to prominence during the ascension of the East Village, he maintained a studio/gallery on East 6th Street a stones throw from the original Pat Hearn Gallery for decades. In his involvements he s seen the tragic culmination of the EV community close up and personal, having worked with Jean-Michel Basquiat Despite the challenges, he s maintained his artistic practice, as well a serious commitment to music and poetry.

James Kalm beats the clock, slipping in to bring viewers a last minute tour of the James Little exhibition. Arriving in New York in the early seventies, Little has patiently perused his vision, constructing paintings based on a few universal abstract elements. Well respected in the New York painting community, with this exhibition, the artist has garnered big shot praise from the likes of the New York Time s Pulitzer Prize winning art critic Holland Cotter, and feature articles in influential publications like the Brooklyn Rail and Art News. James Little graciously consents to a studio visit, and discusses his encaustic painting technique, the influences of Clement Greenberg and the current state of abstract painting in America.

James Kalm anxiously pursues this enlightening exhibition by one of the most unique masters in the Modernist canon. Although he stayed near home, and rarely sought out the avant-garde, James Ensor became the Godfather of Northern Expressionism. His unique subject matter, brilliant draftsmanship, and sensitive yet urgent use of materials and color distinguish him as an inspiration of much 20th century art. Organized by Anna Swinbourne, Assistant Curator, Department of Painting and Sculpture.

James Kalm drops in for an exhibition of recent paintings by one of the last stalwarts of New York School Abstract Expressionism, Thornton Willis. With Lattice Willis is re-investigating a compositional format he explored in the 1960s. After developing a signature image, that both drew attention and limited progression in the late seventies the wedge series was superseded by the crystal series. Lattice is a return to purely horizontal/vertical elements, reducing painterly forms to their most essential simplicity. Featuring an extended interview with Thornton Willis.

James Kalm returns with viewers to take a more concentrated look at Martin Kippenberger s estimable legacy as a painter. Receiving his first recognition in the late seventies as a painter and draftsman and despite the various projects and installations he engineered, Kippenberger maintained a consistent practice as a painter. This exhibition chronicles his graphic versatility as well as his masterful facility with the medium. These talents were incorporated in Kippengergers provocative challenge to the status quo and the art world establishment. Features an interview with Ann Goldstein, Senior Curator, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).

James Kalm bikes in from Brooklyn for the opening of Matt Blackwell s exhibition of recent paintings. Using a brusque yet articulate style, and a narrative content that caries on a legacy of expressionism that included the likes of Max Beckmann and Phil Guston, Blackwell collects his images from the particularly American local of small towns and back roads. His sculpture is fabricated with all the grace and improvisational whimsy of a self-taught auto-body mechanic. Features an interview with Matthew Blackwell and comments by Kathy Bradford.

James Kalm makes a pilgrimage to west Chelsea and takes in a viewing of recent paintings by New York icon Ron Gorchov. In a career that spans nearly fifty years, Gorchov has perused his vision of pure painting. With his unique touch and innovative intuition the artist has developed an unmistakable form that combines the pictorial with the sculptural. His saddle shaped canvases transcend the novelty of the gimmick and miraculously acquire a universal correctness that is timeless in its elegance.

James Kalm foregoes the bicycle to make a special road-trip to Newark New Jersey to visit the debut exhibition of German Pitre. Using the abject materials of faux fur, stuffed animals and black tar-like paint, Pitre presents work that challenges good taste while extending the classic painterly legacy. Working on a large scale and attaching objects to the canvas surface, the artist comingles the cuddly with the crappy and produces work that resonates with a pathetic awareness of unavoidable decay and enveloping entropy. Featuring an interview with German Pitre.

James Kalm returns with viewers to continue this tour of Wolfgang Petrick s studio. In part II the artist speaks about his up coming shows at the Sarah Asperger Gallery in Berlin and at the Angel Orensanz Foundation on Manhattan s burgeoning Lower East Side. Included are a discussion of the effects of the 9/11 disaster on Petrick s art

James Kalm drop in unexpectedly for an impromptu studio visit with one of Williamsburg s most significant artists, Wolfgang Petrick. Over thirty five years ago the work of Wolfgang Petrick made its initial impression on Kalm, and it still wields the same impact. As a founding member of Critical Realism Petrick has been in the forefront of German and international art. This two part feature includes views of his latest projects and an interview with the artist