Muhamad Ali Painted by LeRoy Neiman-Photographed by George Kalinsky at NY Historic Soc

The world lost one of the great ones last year.  Surely, Muhamad Ali (1942-2016) was one of the most iconic & noteworthy people of the 20th C.   If challenged, he would have delivered the jolting resound "I am the greatest,' or "I'm King of the World" (yes, before Titantic.)  Ali was known for his fleet footwork, witty paraphases "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee."  But, going the distance for a life well lived, he deserves recognition for his unwielding moral stamina, his social activism and magnanimous philanthropy.  The exuberant & dazzling exhibit goes the distance with artworks by LeRoy Neiman (1921-2012) & photos by George Kalinsky.  Neiman's colorful, expressionist paintings & sketches were mainly of athletes, sporting events & muscians.  His kinetic style captured the energy of movement & the lyricism of musical artists.  Neiman's identifiable undulating style is frenetic.  I was impressed with some of his quieter sketches although these too contain multiple imageries lending a constant sense of movement.   "Ali v Frazier at MSG" 3/08/71 is especially stirring and captures Ali's power and pensive personality.  "I have nothing against the Viet Cong."  Born Cassius Clay, Ali would serve time in prison for his pacifist stance at the pinnacle of his fighting career.  Photographer Kalinsky shares Neiman's passion for both athelets & musicians.  He was named Photographer of the Year by PMDA (2001.)  Kalinsky has also been an official photographer for MSG and is known for his images of famous musical artists.  His crisp black/white photos of Ali during fighting frenzies or in more contemplative positions are all arresting and exciting to behold.  I particularly liked the photos of Ali with Costello & Ali with Frazier.  These photos are knockouts depicting strong mutual admiration while appraising one's opponent.   This exhibit is socked full of fun, history, irreverance, respect & inspiration.  I'm going back in the ring for more rounds with this stupefying & electrifying show.  "It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges and I believed in myself."