What's in a view? Everything. I'm a big believer in the power of settings, surroundings, and elements to shape our everyday life.
Imagine my excitement when I entered the Fischbach Gallery located on New York's waterfront in Chelsea. If the gallery were empty, the view would be still be spectacular. Located high above the pedestrian path on 26th street & 11th Avenue, the view of the Hudson River and the expanding Hudson River Parks ( see Who New for more on the Park) is really unique for a gallery. Nothing as they say happens by accident. Certainly the success of Fischbach for more than 50 years is no accident.
In the Art world there are galleries that jump on a trend in the commercial market and run with it. Typically that lasts for a few years and a gallery fades away. Then there are galleries that actually curate and seriously guide artists to develop a following. Galleries of this nature, ones that nurture an artist, are far and few between. Fischbach is such a gallery, keeping an ear to the surrounding scene, while setting a unique path. Ahead of the commercial curve, the gallery was also one of the first to make Chelsea their home. Of course the neighborhood is now gallery central.
The current show at Fishbach- Nocturnes and Diurnes -really underscores the power of a view. Artist Alice Dalton Brown is known for her ability to deliver emotion and spirit through scenes that leave much to the imagination. The scenes however don't require any imagination at all to appreciate them. In a way they are a tease, as there is so much we don't know about what we see. The beauty is that it doesn't matter, because Brown is able to bring a sense of joy and calm to all who look. There are no people, no pets, and often no buildings - yet you feel at home.
Gallery Director and Fischbach Partner, Lawrence DiCarlo told me that some of Ms. Brown's devoted collectors definitely like the "happy factor" of her work. Who could blame them? In a world where watching the news can make you want to throw in the towel, when you find an artist whose paintings give you a lift - you buy them! This in no way diminishes Ms. Brown's work. Quite the opposite is true. After all, isn't that what art is meant to do? Any artist that can cause an emotional reaction has achieved something special. Brown's paintings are so skillfully created, mastering a sense of light - both Sun and Moon in this show- as well as her amazing sense of movement.
You might know Ms. Brown's work without realizing it. The artist also has a huge commercial following for her posters. Many a young art fan begins collecting one of Ms. Brown's calming scenes through the extensive offering of her prints. click PRINTS.
In this time of fiscal second guessing, happy is a great investment. Happy is always in-style in the long run. The show however will not be open for the long run - so get to Fischbach as soon as you can. If you miss the show, be sure to contact the gallery for more information about Alice Dalton Brown. They are an authority on her work, as this is her twelth show at the gallery. Also find out the schedule of what is coming as Fishbach delivers show after show.
After you visit the gallery, cross the street and walk down the most amazing city park on any waterfront! for more information click FISCHBACH and HUDSON RIVER PARK.