This is the 7th solo show of Norman Lewis' paintings at the Michael Rosenfeld Gallery in Chelsea. Lewis (b. NYC 1909-79) was an American Abstract Expressionist painter, scholar and educator. Although he did not receive the media or public attention for his work during his lifetime as fellow contemporaries such as Mark Rothko, his work garnered numerous awards and critical praise. Lewis' one man show at Rosenfeld features his paintings over his 40 year career reflecting his passion for and the impact of jazz musician his body of work. The majority of colorful, vivd oil paintings show geometric shapes and tornado-like forms. Also included are lesser known figurative paintings of jazz musicians. Alongside these figurative paintings is a collection of musical paraphernalia pertaining to jazz icons and recordings. However, the gallery is monasterial quiet with sterile white walls except for the "jazz section". Audio would have benefitted the work displayed in the gallery if not this section. In particular, audio associated with music with titles are attributed to specific albums or musicians would have served the viewers response to the musicality within the paintings and the serendipitous aesthetics of intense jewel colors. Lewis and Romare Bearden (b. Charlotte, NC 1911-88) shared a propensity for vivid palettes and musical memes. Lewis' figurative paintings of jazz musicians were kinetic in their energy (as in "Jumping Jive" 1942). These figurative paintings were pleasing additions to his abstract oeuvre and attests to his technical skills as a painter. Going back through the gallery I noted a rhythmic aesthetic to many of his works. I associated funnel shapes to music's power to penetrate and absorb the listener. I have long been a fan of Lewis' remarkable body of work. This exhibit enhanced my appreciation for his profound legacy to 20th C Abstract Expressionism and the world of art. I will be back and encourage everyone to take advantage of these museum quality paintings.
