Look Beyond Past and Present Through “Springtime”, the New Work of Georg Baselitz at 24th StreetGagosian

Hanging across the walls of Gagosian’s 24th St. gallery is the solo show Springtime, by Georg Baselitz. Through his latest body of work, Baselitz generates an open dialogue of motifs and inspiration from 20th and 21st century figures and movements. The renowned artist captivates the viewer in his signature raw style of depicting inverted imagery, which he’s been exploring since the late 60’s. This implementation provides to the viewer a brand new perspective, that slows down the experience of viewing and comprehending each work. The exhibition will run through June 12, be sure to catch the last few days of this wonderful exhibition. 

Displaced Persons, 2020, Oil, dispersion adhesive, nylon stockings on Canvas, 195 x 310 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Gagosian, NY. Photo by: Jochen Littkemann

The work of Baeslitz is known to have navigated a wide array of concepts and historical movements like “Dada — as seen in the work of Hannah Höch, George Grosz, and others”, as well as other inspirations like “Willem de Kooning and Philip Guston as his key influences.” His artistic path looks at the human figure, this time represented through a new approach of painting over nylon stockings and tulle fabrics, or using them as stamps that make up the subject. These subjects bring about increasing points of consideration and questions to ask, “emerged out of the catastrophes of the First World War, so does Baselitz’s title herald a spirited reawakening from the ravages and restrictions of the current pandemic.” Through the process of print and repetition, the artist provides an added level of transparency in his productions. 

Spaziergang am Meer, 2021, Acrylic, dispersion adhesive and nylon stockings on Canvas, 300 x 400 cm, Courtesy of the Artist, and Gagosian NY. Photo by: Jochen Littkemann

These playful, diverse, creative, and delicate works show a steady progression from making beautiful prints using the stocking as a stamping tool— like Leneh, 2020 — and turned into a collage exploration of paint and fabric, in monochrome of black, white, and gold, while maintaining a consistent composition as his signature style. Der katalanische Raucher: Osborne | Wer wirft den ersten Stein |  mallorquinischer Karren, 2021, the enchanting triptych that undoubtedly stole the show. Seen below, the bold trio provides a refreshing and relatable perspective given our shared experience of the past year. The image of the stocking as an icon of fashion, the history of femininity and women, and the symbolic weight that comes through that. 

Leneh kentlerah fran, 2020, Oil on Canvas, 210 x 132 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Gagosian, NY. Photo by: Jochen Littkemann

On view through the gallery space, these large scale works are like walking down the path of this exceptional artist’s life. His latest body of work presents a wholehearted product to what life through a pandemic changed within, while keeping true to his signature motifs. Be sure to make your way to the gallery space before the 12th, if you’re able! 

Lady Art Painting II, 2020, Oil, dispersion adhesive, and nylon stockings on Canvas, 300 x 180 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Gagosian, NY. Photo by: Jochen Littkemann
Spanisches Bild, 2021, Oil, gold pigment, dispersion adhesive, fabric, nylon stockings, 300 x 210 cm, Courtesy of the Artist, and Gagosian, NY. Photo by: Jochen Littkemann

Der katalanische Raucher: Osborne | Wer wirft den ersten Stein |  mallorquinischer Karren, 2021, 300 x 120 cm, Courtesy of the Artist and Gagosian, NY. Photo by: Jochen Littkemann