Realism: Then & Now [New York, NY]

Cavalier Galleries is pleased to announce our latest exhibition, Realism: Then & Now, featuring work of over 20 influential Realist artists of the past two centuries. The exhibition will be on view from April 18^th to May 29^th at Cavalier Gallery, Ground Floor, 3 West 57th Street, New York, New York. Gallery hours are 10am-6pm Monday through Saturday and by appointment on Sunday.

The realistic depiction of subjects in art can be traced throughout history. Rendering objects and people in the form they naturally appear has always held a fascination and mysticism for both the artist and the viewer. Although believable representation has been found throughout the history of art, Realism carved its own place as the first modern movement in art.

Realism, beginning in 1840, is based on the concept of merging fine art and everyday life, an idea that would be key in the modern movements to come. By depicting everyday objects and situations, Realism throws a sharp light onto the reality of living in the modern age.

This body of work truly exemplifies the stunning Realism painting of today, from Edward Minoff’s brilliant wave compositions and Joseph McGurl’s arresting treatment of light to Jenness Cortez’s use of “art within art” combined with still life arrangements. Watercolors by the important New York artist Robert Cottingham show urban life and motifs that, although painted in the 1980’s, are still shockingly familiar. William M. Harnett’s (1848-1892) still life work from the 1870’s, with his masterful and famed use of trompe l’oeil, represents an approach to the classic tradition of still life painting that continues to surprise and “fool” viewers. In this striking exhibition, Cavalier Gallery has presented a curated selection of work that highlights the technical skill and expansive area of representation that Realism provides.

The exhibition features work by influential artist such as William M. Harnett (1848-1892), Levi Wells Prentice (1851-1935), Andrew Wyeth (1917- 2009), Jamie Wyeth, John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), William O. Ewing III, Karl Kuerner, Paul Oxborough, Edward Minoff, Sarah Lamb, Jenness Cortez, Steven J. Levin, Joseph McGurl, Nicholas Berger, Joel Carson Jones, and Robert Cottingham and spans from as early as 1870 to recent work from 2018.