May 2024 Newsletter: Living with Color
Hey there, fellow art lovers!
As summer approaches, I'm turning our focus in this month’s newsletter to the bold and vibrant use of color in art. While monochromes set a distinct vibe, there's something truly special about living with color—it adds a sense of joy and vitality to our lives. Carefully selecting the right hues can make a collection come alive, rather than blending into the walls. This month, I'm excited to showcase some of my recent favorite vibrant acquisitions and discoveries.
My goal with this and every newsletter is to inspire excitement about art, foster meaningful dialogue, and ignite interest in the intoxicating world of creativity. I firmly believe that to truly appreciate art, we must dive in—immersing ourselves in as much as we can, supporting our local art scene, and surrounding ourselves with original pieces. These newsletters serve as a platform to share what I'm most passionate about, guiding you to discover and develop an appreciation for art, and offering insights on building and acquiring meaningful collections.
Artfully yours,
Erin Page
Curated Picks: Artist Highlights of the Month
Earlier this month, I visited San Francisco specifically to see the sculptures of Dutch-born, London-based artist Merete Rasmussen at Scott Richards Contemporary. Renowned for her ceramic sculptures, Rasmussen's work explores the fluidity of continuous lines and dynamic forms, using matte colors to enhance the surface and shape. Her pieces, inspired by natural patterns and mathematical structures, are vibrant studies of positive and negative space, and can be found in prestigious collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the MAD Museum of Arts and Design.
I'm particularly excited about Rasmussen's work because not only are they extremely beautiful but adding sculpture to a collection is a fantastic way to introduce interest and dimension, expanding the collection beyond the walls into the realm of 3D objects. Her sculptures are at an excellent price point considering her experience and level of representation, making them a valuable addition to any art collection.
I was thrilled to help with the private acquisition of the gorgeous orange piece shown above (and below). The blue and yellow sculptures have just arrived at the gallery and remain available, for now. If you would like more info on her work, click the button below
While in SF, it was also on my agenda to help acquire a painting from Michael Reafsnyder. Widely known and collected in California, Reafsnyder has just concluded an outstanding solo show at Miles McEnery in NYC. Rejecting the notion that gestural painting must emerge from angsty melodrama, Reafsnyder’s work offer sheer pleasure through their vividly saturated colors, profusion of painterly gestures, and energetic compositions. They capture the present moment in our experience of visual imagery with a cacophony of all-or-nothing enthusiasm.
What excites me about Reafsnyder’s work for any collection is its dynamic energy, reminiscent of a blend between Jackson Pollock and Gerhard Richter. He also has an excellent C.V. His work has been exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries and institutions worldwide including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, San Diego’s very own the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Click the link below to email me for more info and/or available works by the artist
Lastly, as a passionate advocate for local talent, I believe it's essential to recognize and applaud the successes of artists within the San Diego community. I'm thrilled to share the exciting news from Patrick DeAngelis’s studio, an artist with whom I have a close association and whose career I've long supported. Enjoying new representation with Lanoue Gallery in Boston, two of his latest paintings are currently on view there ahead of his major show with the gallery later this fall.
I’ve posted on my IG often about the artist who creates luminous color field abstractions using oil on canvas, captivating viewers with his mastery of light and form. Patrick's work not only showcases his exceptional talent but also reflects the vibrant artistic landscape of San Diego. For information on available work or to be updated with new pieces from his San Diego studio, contact me directly.
Worth seeing in person:
A few upcoming and current exhibitions I’m excited about here in San Diego:
Chris Trueman at R.B. Stevenson opening June 15th
Sylvia Fernández “Sembrando un Jardín” at Oolong Gallery until June 8th
Glen Wilson at Quint Gallery May 25 - June 22nd
Jason Clay Lewis in Afterburner at Techne Art Center now through July 21st
Fun News from the Art World
Last week, Sotheby’s Modern Evening auction in NYC showcased one of the most exhilarating art moments I've seen in a while. A painting by the British-born, Mexican nationalized surrealist painter Leonora Carrington ignited a fierce bidding war, shattering estimates and setting new auction records for the artist. While the painting was expected to sell for between $12 million and $18 million, it ultimately fetched over $28 million (including the buyer’s premium).
Three bidders fiercely competed: two sales representatives on the phone with clients, and a quiet gentleman seated in the crowd. That man was billionaire Eduardo F. Costantini, who had missed out on acquiring the same painting 30 years earlier and was determined not to leave without it this time. After ten minutes of volleying, his bid of $24.5. million silenced the competition and the painting he had never forgotten was finally his. Interestingly, the painting is promised on loan for the next two years, but it will eventually find its way to Costantini’s Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires.
It was quite a moment. For those interested, you can read more in the Artnet article and watch this historic auction moment linked below.
Before we part ways:
Remember to follow me on IG for more art, events, and insider info! Your support means the world to me, and I'm excited to continue this artistic journey together.
If you ever have questions or are interested in building your art collection, feel free to reach out anytime.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep creating, and let's keep the art conversation going.