Stephen Westfall's 2011 New York Exhibitions Reveal Painter-Curator's Eclectic Abstraction

Stephen Westfall presented three distinct exhibitions in New York during 2011, showcasing his dual roles as painter and curator. His solo show 'Seraphim: Paintings and works on paper' ran at Lennon, Weinberg, Inc. from April 26 to June 11, featuring diamond-shaped color bands inspired by medieval church mosaics from his 2010 American Academy in Rome residency. Critics Roberta Smith and Jerry Saltz praised the work's intuitive color progression and vibrant energy. Westfall then curated 'The Ghost in the Machine' at the same gallery from June 23 to August 19, presenting geometric abstraction with pop culture influences alongside artists including John McLaughlin, Nicholas Krushenick, and Jennifer Riley. Simultaneously, he organized 'REVERIE' at Zürcher Studio, featuring diverse abstract approaches from artists like Shirley Jaffe, Stanley Whitney, and Andrea Belag. Westfall's painting practice combines rigorous hard-edged abstraction with cheerful patterns and disruptive elements, while his curatorial approach embraces eclectic connections across generations and styles. He teaches at Bard College and Rutgers University, maintaining representation with Lennon, Weinberg in New York and Zürcher in Paris.