NYU Wagner, in partnership with NYU Steinhardt, is pleased to announce the opening of “Sienna Visions: The Art of Alonzo Adams,“ a special exhibition at the Gallery Space at Wagner.
New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, in partnership with the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, is pleased to announce the opening of “Sienna Visions: The Art of Alonzo Adams,“ a special exhibition at the Gallery Space at Wagner.
Staged in commemoration of black history, “Sienna Visions” is cosponsored by the NYU Wagner Black Student Alliance and curated by NYU Steinhardt faculty member Ann Chwatsky, with assistance by Frankie Crescioni-Santoni. The opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, 2011, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm, and is open to the public via RSVP at www.wagner.nyu.edu/events. (Note: the show's opening has been rescheduled from February 1).
With “Sienna Visions”, internationally acclaimed artist Alonzo Adams presents us with an alluring and culturally rich collection of oil paintings referencing his African American heritage. Through masterfully executed figurative portraits and landscapes, the artist highlights facets of the African American experience informed by his family history, his Harlem roots, Jazz, and contemporary urban life. The luscious sienna and earth tone palettes that permeate the canvases not only assist in achieving the desired racial specificity, but they are also instrumental in defining the contemplative and populist mood of the paintings. Adams’ subject matters and color schemes evoke a quiet dignity and introspective poignancy that have become trademarks of his celebrated work.
“Sienna Visions: The Art of Alonzo Adams.” The Gallery Space at Wagner is located on the 2nd floor of the Puck Building, at 295 Lafayette Street, corner of Houston Street (B/D/F/M trains to Broaway-Lafayette, 6 train to Bleecker, or N/R/W trains to Prince Street). Viewing hours are Monday–Thursday 9:00am-9:00pm, Fridays 9:00am-7:00pm, and Saturdays 9:30am-6:00pm (closed on Sundays). For more information, including adjusted holiday hours, please contact Frankie Crescioni-Santoni at 212.998.7400. The show runs through April 6.
About the Artist:
Alonzo Adams was born in Harlem, New York, in 1961. He earned a BFA from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, and later, with a Camille O. Cosby Fellowship, an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania. He is inspired by such masters as Charles White, Henry O. Tanner, Leon Augustin L’hermitte, John Singer Sargent, and Rembrandt and has traveled throughout Europe to study their works. With over 25 years as a professional artist, Adams has garnered numerous awards and accolades and has been featured in such publications as Art Business News, Black Enterprise, Images, Uptown and ESPN Magazine. In 2002, the Studio Museum of Harlem selected his artwork for inclusion in their Black Romantic exhibit, and the following year, three of his original oils were auctioned at Sotheby’s to a phenomenal response. Adams’ paintings are part of the permanent collections of such luminaries as Maya Angelou, Bill Cosby, and Alonzo & Tracy Mourning. His mentoring activities range from inspirational talks with youngsters in the community to working with aspiring and emerging artists to help them find their own artistic voices and reach potential collectors.
Further samples of his work may be viewed at www.alonzoadams.com.