Benny Andrews: The Bicentennial Series

http://www.michaelrosenfeldart.com/

Opening Reception

Saturday, November 5th / 5-7pm

To coincide with the presidential election, Michael Rosenfeld Gallery presents Benny Andrews: The Bicentennial Series – the gallery’s second solo exhibition featuring the work of Benny Andrews (American, 1930-2006). This exhibition will consist of paintings and drawings from all six individual subseries – Symbols, Trash, Circle, Sexism, War and Utopia - which in their totality comprise The Bicentennial Series.

Completed between 1970 to 1975, The Bicentennial Series was conceived to reveal one Black Americans view of the United States at a time when the country was celebrating a milestone and feeling nostalgic. Fearing that black Americans would be invisible from all Bicentennial narratives and celebrations, Benny Andrews devoted himself to sharing his “feelings and impressions of this place–America.” By completing six distinctive groups of works (monumental-scale paintings and drawings) with themes that include southern rituals, oppression, justice/injustice, incarceration, regeneration, war, inequality, technology, feminism, motherhood, the absence of humanity, fantasy and idealized beauty, Andrews raised a consciousness. Holding deeply to his southern roots and masterfully crafting timeless allegories, Andrews revealed American truths that are today as relevant as they were 40 years ago.

Michael Rosenfeld Gallery represents the Estate of Benny Andrews and this exhibition has been organized with their cooperation.

• Contact:
• Marjorie Van Cura
• mv@michaelrosenfeldart.com
• 212-247-0082