Galerie Stein Magazine

A Brief Interlude into Art History In the tumultuous era of McCarthyism during the mid-20th century, even the realm of art found itself entangled in the web of political scrutiny. Abstract Expressionism, a movement celebrated for its innovative and emotive qualities, became an unexpected target. McCarthyist fervor sought to conflate artistic abstraction with political subversion, seeing hidden meanings in the seemingly chaotic canvases. Members of the House Un-American Activities Committee HUAC, 1948.Abstract Expressionist artists, known...

I want to take you on a journey back to the late 20th century, a time when the art world witnessed a powerful renaissance of emotional intensity and personal expression in art. The driving force behind this movement? Neo-Expressionism, an artistic movement that emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s, boldly breaking free from the minimalist trends dominating the era.At the heart of Neo-Expressionism were a handful of visionaries who left an indelible mark on the art...

Norma AlonzoSan Diego, CA, United States Abstract Expressionist painter Norma Alonzo is a Mexican-American who hails from San Diego. I love color in paint, so I was immediately drawn to Norma’s colorful work. According to her, her use of color stems from the vibrant, sunny landscapes of San Diego. “Surrounded by this kaleidoscope, I cultivated a deep appreciation for color,” she says reflecting on her creative roots in a 2018 interview with Art Reveal Magazine....

Zeljko Jancic ZecVienna, Austria I'm captivated by the multiplicity of Zeljko Jancic Zec’s creative journey. Born in Rijeka, Austria, in 1969, Zeljko uses art to explore the unfolding of daily life, the human condition, and existence through various mediums. By Zeljko Jancic Zec. Trained at Amsterdam’s voor de Kunsten school, Zeljko wears many hats—he’s a painter, multimedia artist, theater teacher, choreographer, and director. His international presence is marked by performances, exhibitions, and awards for films like "Waterish" and "The...

The mesmerizing world of neuroaesthetics is fascinating, especially when it comes to the realm of Abstract Expressionism. Abstract Expressionism has this incredible ability to stir emotions and provoke thought, and understanding the neuroaesthetics behind it adds a whole other layer of fascination. 'Convergence' by Jackson Pollock, 1952. When we gaze upon the bold strokes and vibrant colors of Abstract Expressionist masterpieces, our brains embark on a journey of sensory exploration. The use of form, color, and composition triggers...

I love delving into the world of Lee Krasner, a powerhouse in the realm of abstract expressionism. Born in 1908, Krasner's impact on the art scene is significant, and her role in the historical development of abstract expressionism was pivotal. Krasner, often recognized as the wife of Jackson Pollock, goes far beyond being just a companion to the renowned artist. Her work, a dynamic dance of colors and forms, played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory...

Maryam Eivazi Karaj, Iran I really enjoy Maryam Eivazi's approach to the abstract expressionist genre. In her MFA studies in Bologna, Italy, she developed a distinctive style with immersive scenes, abstract symbols, and expressive brushstrokes. Her recent work features vibrant scribbles, captivates with its playful vibrancy, and I see hints of Cy Twombly and Basquiat in her paintings. Untitled by Maryam Eivazi, 2021. I also feel that Maryam's unique color palette creates a distinctly feminine quality...

Beñat OlaberriaLondon, UK Hailing originally from the Basque country in Northern Spain, Beñat Olaberria is an Abstract Expressionist artist based in London who earned his degree from City and Guilds at the London Art School, obtaining an MA in Fine Art. Beñat's art practice departs from impressionistic, narrative, and reductive approaches. Rather, Beñat's creative practice is an exploration of his subconscious. His paintings evolve as a response to initial nervous, spontaneous, and impulsive mark-making, eventually achieving balance. 'Inbetweens' by...

John Goetz Santa Monica, CA Born in Switzerland and growing up in Montreal and Toronto, John Goetz now calls Santa Monica home. He is said to have started out in graphic design school, but felt confined by the rigidity of design, which ultimately led him to the freedom of Abstract Expressionism. 'Revelier' and 'Huntington' by John Goetz. There’s a lightness in Goetz’s paintings that I like. This can be explained by Goetz’s stated reason for...

José Parlá New York, NY I'm a longtime follower of Brooklyn-based José Parlá. Born in Miami in 1973 to Cuban parents, Parlá grew up between Puerto Rico and the mainland US. Sensitive to the politics of his surroundings, his art is influenced by expressions of resistance and resilience--"[t]hey are paintings that are alive to political resistance, but also resistance to death." 'It's Yours: The International Illegal Construct Against Indigenous People' by José Parlá, 2020. In 2021, Parlá spent three months in a medically-induced coma...

Guest blogger: Beth W. Stewart (Galerie Stein featured artist) When was your last trip down a rabbit hole? If you're like me, it's a daily occurrence. One thing I love about teaching world history (which I do) is all the rabbit holes I get to travel, under the guise of “prep”.The Cold War is rich in this regard. I’ve previously written (albeit briefly) about one such rabbit hole—the suspected CIA involvement in writing the rock anthem “Wind of Change” by the...

I'm captivated by Cleveland artist Matthew Dibble's unique artistic approach. With a background in construction (as a roofer for 30+ years), he brings a craftsman's precision to his work, approaching each piece with meticulous attention. Dibble's abstract compositions of gestural movements are a mesmerizing choreography of creativity. 'Mechanics Lien' by Matthew Dibble. Graduating from Cleveland's Cooper School of the Arts in 1978, Dibble has carved his own path, free from the constraints of traditional artistic...