Our new artwork offerings are as diverse and unique in terms of medium as they could be. From a ca. 1930 bas-relief wood panel by Peter Krasnow to a 1933 tightly rendered watercolor by Alexander Cañedo to a 1943 masterwork in oil by the co-founder of Post Surrealism, Helen Lundeberg, these artworks are each of disparate media but are similar in that they each are important examples by these well-exhibited artists.

Helen Lundeberg is widely considered to be one of the very best artists of her generation, male or female. When studying at the Stickney School in Pasadena in 1930 Lundeberg was taught and influenced by Lorser Feitelson, whom she later would marry. Together Lundeberg and Feitelson published their 1934 manifesto entitled New Classicism, which proclaimed Post Surrealism – an American response to European Surrealism. New Classicism emphasized the subjective through introspection and contemplation. Lundeberg’s 1943 Flowers and Arches is an example of the artist’s use of spatial relations to create a strongly contemplative vision. The beautiful floral display is juxtaposed with a series of arches leading the viewer to wonder where this spatial construct leads. The serene beauty of this masterwork is exemplary of Lundeberg’s ability to engage the viewer.

Neophytes by Alexander Cañedo, created in 1933, is a commanding image of two young men in a devout and pious stance, each depicted with a halo. Cañedo, who immigrated from Mexico first to New York and then settled in California, was known for his carefully rendered subjects in multiple media. In Neophytes Cañedo uses watercolor to carefully create a stark yet attractive image. Are these young men of strong enough character to undertake the vows they face? Cañedo answers that question in the affirmative. A mere glance at this watercolor masterwork is sufficient to put the viewer in a contemplative mood.

One of the 2020 introductions we are most proud to present is Peter Krasnow’s bas-relief entitled Union. This ca.1930 wood panel incorporates the best of the French Art Deco aesthetic with its repeated lines and curves throughout. The artist spent three years in the Dordogne area of France, so picking up the Art Deco aesthetic must have come easily to Krasnow. The man and woman are depicted in love with one another, as exemplified by their touching hands. Krasnow would later create demountable sculptures in wood as well as tall wood totems while advancing his artistic oeuvre. And Krasnow’s early self-portraits are haunting and contemplative. But his Union bas-relief is free and communicates an obvious belief in true love that the artist must have felt when creating it.

We hope you find our diverse group of 2020 introductions as compelling as we do.

A color brochure for the exhibition is available upon request.

We are proud to announce the launch of our new website which can be enjoyed from your home or office. The newly designed site is “image forward,” making the viewing experience both fun and easy to navigate. Please check out our newly designed site at www.HelfenFineArts.com.