Andre Cottavoz: Deep In Paint 1950-72
The exhibition of paintings by Andre Cottavoz at Abby M Taylor Fine Art entitled Deep in Paint 1950-1972 is a dynamic body of works from the 1950’s through the 1970’s. They are exuberant in character, and their heavy impasto invite comparison to some of the most provocative artists of the 20th century. Many of the portraits in this exhibition have the intellectual and psychological approach to be found in a Chaim Soutine portrait. They also predate Frank Auerbach’s approach to portraits which exhibit an existential approach. These paintings will fascinate as one attempts to discern their true content. A prolific painter who found a style that translated well in the commercial sense, Cottavoz was also a member of the Lyon School of New Figuration. In the tradition of the great French colorists such as Pierre Bonnard, Andre Cottavoz expresses in his paintings a trend amongst some post World War II French artists who belonged to the Lyon School of New Figuration to search for a strong light in their works. The painter Paul Philibert-Charrin addressed the press after the group’s first successful salon:
“What we are after is a salon for people under thirty. We belong to no school. Our only principle is to paint in the light, with allegiance to no technique.”
Such illumination was not only a product of the natural light but also an emanation of light that seemed to originate and to spring forth from the very canvas itself.
The gallery is pleased to present this artist’s work as it was done during a timeframe in France that is just beginning to be re-examined. He is an artist that has developed a strong Asian following and can appeal to contemporary or traditional collectors. A close friendship with the Japanese art dealer Kiyoshi Tamenaga whom Cottavoz met in 1957 opened doors to Japan for the artist. The works in this exhibition showcase the freedom that Cottavoz felt compelled to paint without restrictions or preconceived requirements.
On View Through Feb. 28th
