Alex Katz's Intimate Paintings at Peter Blum Gallery

From September 19 to November 2, 2013, Peter Blum Gallery in New York City presented 'Alex Katz: Small Paintings 1987-2013,' featuring 22 oil-on-board works each no larger than 12 x 16 inches. The exhibition spanned pieces from 1987 to 2013, displayed uniformly around the gallery's walls to create a rhythmic sequence of fragmented imagery. Portraits, flowers, and trees appeared as partial views, emphasizing selective perception and memory. Works like Homage to Monet 5 (2009) and Elizabeth (2012) showcased flat, overlapping shapes and concentrated color, while Night Light (2005) and White Boat (2008) contrasted artificial and natural lighting. Black Brook (1989) captured water reflections with dynamic brushwork, and Gold and Black (1993) directed the gaze upward. These small-scale paintings, originally studies for larger works, stood as independent pieces with sophisticated color and precise detail, highlighting Katz's direct engagement with his subjects. The gallery's spacious setting allowed for intimate viewing, where groupings of paintings formed partial narratives based on proximity.