Contemporary Art: Rapture @ Lyons Wier Gallery New York

(Drivebycuriosity) -  I love contemporary art. There are so many surprises and discoveries to be made. At my latest foray through Chelsea`s art district I spotted an interesting exhibition @ Lyons Wier Gallery (542 West 24th Street, New York lyonswiergallery ). They display paintings by James Rieck, the show is called "Rapture" (through November 4, 2017 ).

The press release explains: "Rapture," mines that euphoric moment of cognition…that split second when understanding and emotions are born.  Using models extrapolated from 1950’s and 60’s commercial magazines, “Rapture” juxtaposes an idyllic midcentury moment of bliss spurred on by the artwork that is on public display.  Rieck’s compositions combine highly sexualized historical masterpieces such as Matisse’s Le Bonheur de Vivre, Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Bather Drying Herself, and Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe, with an overtly ecstatic viewer (exhibitions).

I enjoy the optimistic & colorful paintings which remind me of the TV series "Mad Men" and CinemaScope movies from the 1960s. On top of this post you can see "Jeune Garcon au Cheval" (2017, oil on canvas) followed by "Portrait of Elaine DeKooning" (2017, oil on canvas) & "Le Bonheur de Viere" (2017, oil on canvas).

Above "One Number 31"; "Marilyn" & "Boigneusse SÈssuyant".

Enjoy!