SoHo

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The work represented in this show is far more interesting then the paintings and conceptual pieces for which Robert Ryman is best known.  In the broad span of work offered here there is a wonderful array of experimentation, failure and success. As a body, the work is fluidly in motion and you are given a privileged view of an artist�s personal journey over an 8 year period.  With the paintings from the late 60s and throughout the 70s that followed, the journey was over; a result of the sterility of conceptualism and conformity nearly devoid of the lively sensuality expressed here. The effect is comparable to Cy Twombly who created some of the most memorable abstract expressionist paintings in 1951 and 1953 that were subsequently

Robert Ryman, Untitled (63.057), 1963, charcoal and graphite pencil, pastel on yellow paper, 19 x 19 in

Robert Ryman, Installation View

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Robert Ryman, Untitled (62.099), 1962, graphite pencil and pastel on grey paper, 10 x 10 in

Robert Ryman, Installation View

included in an exhibition at the Sperone Westwater Gallery several years ago.  Those paintings, like the drawings in this show, were gutsy, unabashed and brimming with self confidence that later devolved into the light ephemeral and somewhat fatuous paintings that Twombly subsequently became famous for.  But as with the exhibition of Twombly�s early paintings, this show opens a wonderful portal into Ryman�s thinking and development as an artist. Beyond that it also holds up quite well on its own merits. Should you fail to see the work �live� a book of this work has been published, Robert Ryman Works on Paper 1957 - 1964 by Peter Blum Edition.

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