June 29, 2017
Frames and Stretchers has been enjoying the pleasure of stretching and framing a number of works by artists who are represented by Bryant Toth Fine Art, a Manhattan gallery specializing in Cuban art. Among the recent works is this dream-like composition by painter Jesus Nodarse, featuring a mysterious interaction between a woman and jester.
Stascia in the studio with Jesus Nodarse's stretched painting
This work is typically representative of the artist’s oeuvre. His paintings are populated by female figures who are often naked, and numerous characters such as fishermen or mythological creatures like the Minotaur or mermaids. In describing his work Nodarse says, “As a Cuban painter, I'm inspired by the real woman, the woman that suffers and is happy at the same time. The woman that fights during the day and is a peacemaker during the night.” * He describes the women and the characters around them as coming from both his reality and his fantasy life.
Detail of the work we stretched and another of Nodarse's paintings (image courtesy of Bryant Toth Fine Art)
Nodarse is a native of Sagua la Grande and lives and works in Old Havana. He studied at the National Academy of Fine Arts, San Alejandro and graduated in 1996. After graduating he became a professor at the National Academy. He has exhibited in Chicago, Berlin, Kuala Lumpur, and Beirut where he spent two years working full time for a gallery in Lebanon. He is fortunate to be supported by renowned Cuban Art collectors in places like Tennessee, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Dallas.
Jesus Nodarse at work in his studio in Cuba (photo credit, Juventude Rebelde)
Frames and Stretchers has an ongoing relationship with Bryant Toth and we are so pleased to have the opportunity to experience the work of many artists who might otherwise remain isolated in their country. Toth has a real passion for Cuba and it’s culture stemming from his first visit to the country. He explains, “The nation’s isolation from many of its neighbors has fueled Cubans’ need for developing a strong self-identity.” *
Check back here to see more work from Toth’s line up of exceptional talent.
*http://www.jesusnodarse.gallery/
*http://www.bryanttothfineart.com/about/
