GalerieStein Magazine

Galerie Stein Magazine

The Vanguard: Janet Sobel

The Vanguard: Janet Sobel

Janet Sobel played a significant role in the development of Abstract Expressionism, yet her contributions have often been overshadowed by the male-dominated narrative of the movement. An exploration of Sobel's critical reception sheds light on the complex dynamics that shaped the assessment of her work and her place in modern art history. By Janet Sobel. Sobel's work was initially categorized as "primitive," a label that allowed her to be accepted within the art world but that also, arguably, restricted her...
on January 15, 2024
Vancouver abstract expressionist artist Beth W. Stewart

Featured Vancouver Abstract Expressionist Artist: Beth W. Stewart

Beth W. Stewart Vancouver, Canada In the heart of Vancouver, Canada, lies the bright and colorful studio of Galerie Stein's featured abstract expressionist artist, Beth W. Stewart. I first encountered this Vancouver abstract artist's paintings years ago and have been following her evolution as an artist ever since. I was actually an early collector of her work, pulled in by her use of vibrant colors and her expressive compositions.    Featured Vancouver Abstract Expressionist Artist: Beth...
on January 08, 2024
The Vanguard: Helen Frankenthaler

The Vanguard: Helen Frankenthaler

Born in 1928, Helen Frankenthaler's early exposure to the art world through her family is what ignited her passion for painting. Her impact on the Abstract Expressionist movement cannot be overstated.  She developed a distinctive style characterized by her use of color-stained canvases, a technique she invented with her breakthrough work, 'Mountains and Sea' in 1952 when she was 23 years old (below). 'Mountains and Sea' by Helen Frankenthaler, 1952. This technique entailed pouring thinned paint onto un-primed canvas on...
on January 02, 2024
Choosing Abstract Expressionist Prints: My Guide for Interior Designers

Choosing Abstract Expressionist Prints: My Guide for Interior Designers

To help interior designers select the best Abstract Expressionist prints for their projects, I'm sharing my list of 4 basic yet crucial factors for designers to consider. If you're a designer, or maybe trying on a designer hat, this guide will help you choose an Abstract Expressionist print that truly and effectively complements and enhances the space you're working on.#1. Mood and Atmosphere: Since Abstract Expressionist paintings have no subject matter, it's essential to first identify the mood and atmosphere you wish to evoke in the room. Abstract Expressionist...
on December 26, 2023
The CoBrA Movement: Bridging Avant-Garde and Abstract Expressionist Art

The CoBrA Movement: Bridging Avant-Garde and Abstract Expressionist Art

Emerging in the late 1940s, the CoBrA movement (or just CoBrA) swiftly became a dynamic force in European avant-garde art. CoBrA got it's strange name by combining Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam. These cities were the primary locations where artists from diverse backgrounds came together through a shared desire to break free from artistic conventions and embrace spontaneity and intuition in their work. By Karel Appel, 1954. At the core of CoBrA's ethos was a rejection of rationalism and a celebration of the...
on December 18, 2023
Why Use Abstract Expressionist Prints for Interior Design?

Why Use Abstract Expressionist Prints for Interior Design?

As a gallerist specializing in Abstract Expressionist art, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact these prints can have on interior design projects. Abstract Expressionist prints are dynamic focal points, infusing spaces with a sense of energy, depth, and emotion. For designers, incorporating Abstract Expressionist prints offers endless possibilities for creating unique and visually stunning environments. These prints provide designers with a versatile tool to add character and personality to any space, whether it's a residential home,...
on December 11, 2023
The Irascibles: Abstract Expressionists and Political Activism

The Irascibles: Abstract Expressionists and Political Activism

The Irascibles were a group of mid-century American abstract artists who challenged the status quo of the art world and advocated for the recognition of avant-garde movements. Led by iconic figures like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko, the Irascibles represented a collective defiance against the conservative art establishment of their time. The Irascibles, 1950, photo published in Life magazine. Front row: Theodoros Stamos, Jimmy Ernst, Barnett Newman, James Brooks, Mark Rothko. Middle row:...
on December 04, 2023
Abstract Expressionists We Love: Bouvy Enkobo

Abstract Expressionists We Love: Bouvy Enkobo

Bouvy EnkoboKinshasa, DRC Emotional and Intense. Bouvy Enkobo is an expressive artist born in 1981 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He found his creative voice amidst the bustling streets of African cities, where chaos and vibrant colors coexist. Honestly, I find it a bit hard to locate his art in any singular movement, which is fun and interesting, but if cornered, perhaps it can be considered a mix of Neo-Expressionism and Abstract Expressionism. After studying at the...
on November 27, 2023
Book Review: Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art by Phoebe Hoban

Book Review: Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art by Phoebe Hoban

Book: Hoban, Phoebe. (2016). Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art, 2nd Ed. Open Road Media. As a lover of Jean-Michel Basquiat's work, I was captivated by Phoebe Hoban's book, Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art. The book presents a vivid portrayal of the young artist's tumultuous and too-short life. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Hoban meticulously reconstructs the rise and fall of the iconic New-Expressionist artist. Her compelling narrative dives deep into the heart of both Basquiat's genius and tragedy. What struck me...
on November 20, 2023
How to Collect Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Art

How to Collect Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Art

Are you considering starting, or adding to, your collection of contemporary art with some abstract expressionist pieces?   Add to or begin your collection of contemporary Abstract Expressionist art with our curated collection of original paintings and prints. From vibrant brushstrokes to bold gestural compositions, each piece embodies the raw energy and emotion that define the Abstract Expressionist movement. 'Cheetahs in the Desert' by Beth W. Stewart—available at Galerie Stein. Our selection features works by both established and emerging...
on November 13, 2023
How Abstract Expressionist Prints Can Add Beauty to Your Home

How Abstract Expressionist Prints Can Add Beauty to Your Home

There sure is a lot of art out there that I like to call “decorative wall filler”. Blue dolphins and pink whales, boldly brush-stroked circles and squares, browns and oranges mashed and mixed together to match the theme, or rug, or furniture ; “art” that should have stayed on Etsy, or at Crate and Barrel, or the ground floor of IKEA, or if it really, really had to find itself a home, the hallway of a Holiday Inn.  But...
on November 06, 2023
My Take on

My Take on "Good" vs. "Bad" Abstract Expressionist Art

As a gallerist unafraid to ruffle feathers, I'm compelled to share with you my thoughts on what separates the exceptional from the mediocre in contemporary Abstract Expressionism. There’s a lot of “art” out there to choose from, and to use an old Spaghetti Western reference, how do you even begin to separate the good, the bad and the ugly?  Foremost, style consistency reigns supreme. A masterful artist demonstrates a discipline, an obedience and a commitment to their aesthetic....
on October 30, 2023