Norman Bluhm's 1967-74 Paintings on View at Loretta Howard Gallery Through May 27

Loretta Howard Gallery in New York is presenting an exhibition of Norman Bluhm's paintings from 1967 to 1974, including the 1972 work 'Tertia Aemilia,' which remains on view until May 27. The gallery is located at 525 West 26th Street, between 10th and 11th avenues, with contact information (212) 695-0164. In the exhibition catalog, critic John Yau describes Bluhm's art as intense yet never ponderous or didactic, noting its ability to be erotic, funny, and serious simultaneously. Yau compares the supple gracefulness in Bluhm's paintings to Fred Astaire's defiance of gravity, highlighting how the artist's hybrid forms evoke bodies, landscapes, or clouds while resisting literal interpretation. According to Yau, Bluhm achieves masking and deliberate ambiguity in his work, with an underlying subject centered on ecstasy. The exhibition focuses on a specific period in Bluhm's career, showcasing his artistic evolution during these years. Yau also mentions that Bluhm shared this multifaceted ability with his friend, the poet Frank O'Hara, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their creative expressions. The show provides insight into Bluhm's techniques and themes, offering viewers a chance to engage with his abstract and evocative compositions.