Irving Petlin Survey at National Arts Club Examines Redon's Influence Through January 4

A survey exhibition of Irving Petlin's work is currently on view at the National Arts Club in New York, running through January 4. The exhibition is accompanied by a published essay that explores connections between Petlin's practice and the artistic legacy of Odilon Redon. The essay specifically examines how themes of the occult in art are being reconsidered through new critical frameworks that emphasize different modes of attention and perception. This pairing of exhibition and text suggests a scholarly re-evaluation of Petlin's oeuvre in relation to historical Symbolist influences. The National Arts Club serves as the venue for this presentation, which functions as both a visual display and a platform for critical discourse. The essay's publication is directly tied to the timing of the exhibition, creating an integrated experience for viewers and readers. The focus on 'what to notice' indicates a methodological shift in art criticism away from traditional occult interpretations toward more contemporary analytical approaches. This project highlights the ongoing relevance of 19th-century Symbolism in understanding modern artistic practices.