Norbert Schwontkowski and Jockum Nordström Exhibitions in New York Explore Naïve Styles and Sophisticated Techniques
In New York City, two individual exhibitions highlighted the artistry of Norbert Schwontkowski and Jockum Nordström. Schwontkowski's show, titled "We Make Any Size of Mirror," was on display at Mitchell-Innes & Nash from September 21 to November 22. His paintings, characterized by a refined color scheme and imagery such as boats on brown water, were exhibited alongside pieces by renowned artists like Alex Katz, Philip Guston, and Pablo Picasso. Meanwhile, Jockum Nordström's exhibition at David Zwirner, which ran from September 8 to October 14, 2006, featured drawings and collages that playfully examined pastiche and pictorial space, drawing inspiration from children's and folk art. Both artists skillfully combined naïve aesthetics with technical prowess, with Nordström's creations being particularly charming. This review was originally published in the New York Sun on September 28, 2006.
Key facts
- Norbert Schwontkowski's exhibition "We Make Any Size of Mirror" ran from September 21 through November 22 at Mitchell-Innes & Nash in New York City.
- Jockum Nordström's exhibition at David Zwirner in New York City was held from September 8 to October 14, 2006.
- Schwontkowski's paintings used muted colors and glazing techniques reminiscent of Giorgio Morandi's palette.
- Schwontkowski hung his paintings alongside works by Alex Katz, Philip Guston, and Pablo Picasso as a tribute and self-analysis.
- Nordström's drawings and collages combined sophisticated realism with elements inspired by children's art and nineteenth-century folk art.
- Nordström's work often featured meticulously rendered furniture and architecture contrasted with abstract, childlike human figures.
- Schwontkowski's paintings aimed to transform into mirrors reflecting viewers' inner states, using familiar imagery made alienating through color.
- A version of the review first appeared in the New York Sun on Thursday, September 28, 2006.
Entities
Artists
- Norbert Schwontkowski
- Jockum Nordström
- Forrest Bess
- Philip Guston
- Alex Katz
- Pablo Picasso
- Odilon Redon
- Edvard Munch
- Giorgio Morandi
Institutions
- Mitchell-Innes & Nash
- David Zwirner
- New York Sun
Locations
- New York City
- United States