Etel Adnan's 2015 Exhibition at Galerie Lelong Showcases Paintings, Tapestries, and Makimono

From April 2 to May 8, 2015, Galerie Lelong in New York showcased the works of artist and poet Etel Adnan. At the age of 90, Adnan presented a diverse array of creations, including paintings, pastels, tapestries, makimono (Japanese folding books), and a film. Her semi-abstract artworks, typically measuring no more than 13 x 16 inches, are characterized by vibrant landscapes constructed from thick bands of color. Using a palette knife, she applies paint to create substantial, putty-like images that evoke natural elements like mountains and seas through a vivid color palette featuring shades such as taxicab yellow and olive green. The exhibition featured notable pieces like Untitled (2014) and Untitled (1989), the latter demonstrating striking color interactions. Adnan’s artistic philosophy emphasizes trusting forms and gestures to reveal deeper meanings, aligning her work with the aesthetic sensibilities of Arthur Dove and Hans Hofmann while maintaining a distinct perspective.