Raymond Jonson: Into Abstraction
Raymond Jonson: Into Abstraction, an exhibition exploring American artist Raymond Jonson’s work from the 1940s to the 1970s, will open at Addison Rowe Gallery (229 East Marcy Street) on July 18, 2014 with a public reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The show will close on September 12, 2014. Raymond Jonson (1891-1982) was one of the most important painters to live and work in New Mexico. Through his association with the Transcendental Painting Group and the University of New Mexico he was responsible for fostering the development of New Mexico Modernism. His presence attracted many great artists such as Elaine de Kooning, and Richard Diebenkorn. The exhibition at Addison Rowe Gallery will challenge the belief that Jonson’s greatest works were produced prior to 1945. Gallery Director Matthew Rowe explains, “If one has read and understood his [Jonson’s] philosophy it is clear that by 1945 he is just beginning to reach his goals as an artist.” The Addison Rowe Gallery represents the Raymond Jonson Estate through the University of New Mexico. Many of the works on display have not been seen since Jonson exhibited them himself in the 1970s. IMAGE: Raymond Jonson, Watercolor No. 25, 1942, Watercolor on board, 22" x 30". ©The Raymond Jonson Collection, University of New Mexico Art Museum, Albuquerque
