Howard Hodgkin and Thomas Nozkowski Exhibit Contrasting Abstraction in Chelsea Shows

Two solo exhibitions in Chelsea present contrasting approaches to abstract painting. Howard Hodgkin's show at Gagosian Gallery features works that blend intimate lyricism with bold, expressive brushwork, drawing connections to historical figures like Vuillard and Franz Kline. His paintings often use ready-framed wooden boards, with brushstrokes that blur distinctions between frame and image. Recent works show increased scale and a looser, more urgent handling, suggesting an artist consciously developing a late-career style. Thomas Nozkowski's exhibition at Max Protetch Gallery displays small, intensely personal compositions derived from observed sources like architectural journals and fabrics. His paintings maintain figure-ground relationships without narrative content, featuring a dead-pan touch and odd color combinations. Both artists, though differing in temperament and reputation, share a commitment to abstraction infused with personal specificity rather than universal ideals. Hodgkin enjoys international renown, while Nozkowski has a dedicated following in New York but less commercial recognition. The exhibitions run concurrently until December 20, 2003, at their respective Chelsea locations.