An Abstract Expressionist Rediscovers His Love of Painting in Philadelphia
Contact: Susan Hooks, 267-455-0559
PHILADELPHIA, Penn., April 1, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Victor Atkins -- formerly represented by the notable Louis K. Meisel Gallery in NYC -- will debut a collection of paintings for the first time since 1988. White Stone Gallery is proud to introduce Atkins to Philadelphia with a solo exhibit, Come and Play, May 2nd to June 13th.
For Atkins, this show is a celebration of his child-like joy in the unforeseen renewal of his artistic passion.
After training at The School of Visual Arts, Atkins was an active creator on the New York abstract expressionist scene. His work was shown nationwide, at venues including, the Museum of Modern Art Lending Library, the Aldrich Museum, the Fort Wayne Museum of Indiana, Allentown Museum of Art, Dorsky Gallery, and Gallery 202.
But, by the mid-80's, he grew increasingly uninspired by the superficialities of an entrenched, staid market for abstract expressionism. Soon he sold his studio and purchased a bike shop in West Chester, Pa., where he intended to fill his days toiling away on his customer's bicycles.
His customers had other ideas. To Atkins's amazement, the locals drew him out of his shell. Eventually, members of a church community encouraged his art and commissioning paintings by him. He found himself back in front of the massive blank canvases that so inspired him as a young man. But there was a new spark to the experience: faith, fun and play.
Since then, Atkins has moved to Philadelphia and completed a remarkable series of large paintings. One could say Come and Play expresses Atkins's personal journey, from aspiration to despair to goodwill and finally to inspiration. But the works are also intended to speak to a universal journey. In each piece the viewer is drawn into a narrative and a dream space of renewal through repeated icons and symbols.
A house, a path, and a river: We all come from somewhere we hold sacred. We all discover a path for ourselves. And yet, there is always a river of renewal running alongside our journey.
The exhibit will run from May 2 - June 13, with an opening reception on May 2 from 6:00-8:00 PM.
Established in 2002, White Stone Gallery represents contemporary fine art by a variety of notable artists who celebrate and examine the human experience through beauty. White Stone Gallery is located at 1817 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia.
