Beauty Reigns: A Baroque Sensibility in Recent Painting assembles the work of 13 emerging and mid-career abstract painters–Jose Alvarez, Kamrooz Aram, Charles Burwell, Annette Davidek, Fausto Fernandez, Nancy Lorenz, Ryan McGinness, Beatriz Milhazes, Jiha Moon, Paul Henry Ramirez, Rex Ray, Rosalyn Schwartz and Susan Chrysler White–whose art is characterized by high-key color, obsessive layering of surface imagery, repeated patterns, stylized motifs and a tension between melancholy and the sublime. It builds directly on Barilleauxs award-winning exhibition and book New Image Sculpture, which examined how contemporary artists transform widely available, often non-art materials into fanciful replications of the ordinary. Beauty Reigns identifies a recent trend towards exoticism, exuberance and optimism.
Dive into a world of vibrant color, intricate patterns, and a captivating blend of melancholy and sublimity with "Beauty Reigns: A Baroque Sensibility in Recent Painting." This stunning hardcover, a First Edition published in 2014 by the McNay Art Museum, showcases the work of thirteen exceptional emerging and mid-career abstract painters, redefining the landscape of contemporary art. Curated by Ren Paul Barilleaux, with insightful essays by Lilly Wei and Stephen Westfall, this book is far more than just a catalog it's a journey into a world where Baroque sensibilities meet the modern canvas. "Beauty Reigns" presents a compelling argument for a resurgence of Baroque-inspired aesthetics in contemporary abstract painting. It's not a literal revival of historical Baroque art, but rather a contemporary interpretation of its core principles: drama, exuberance, and a dedication to the senses. Think of the lavish ornamentation, the dramatic contrasts, and the sheer emotional intensity of Baroque art then envision how these qualities are being translated into abstract forms by today's most innovative painters. Within these pages, you'll encounter the dazzling artistry of Jose Alvarez, Kamrooz Aram, Charles Burwell, Annette Davidek, Fausto Fernandez, Nancy Lorenz, Ryan McGinness, Beatriz Milhazes, Jiha Moon, Paul Henry Ramirez, Rex Ray, Rosalyn Schwartz, and Susan Chrysler White. Each artist contributes their unique vision to this dynamic tapestry, united by a shared sensibility that embraces high-key color palettes, the meticulous layering of imagery, repeated motifs that both enchant and challenge, and an ever-present tension between the beauty and the ephemeral. Ren Paul Barilleaux, known for his insightful curatorial vision, builds upon the foundation of his award-winning exhibition and book "New Image Sculpture," which explored the transformative power of everyday materials in contemporary sculpture. In "Beauty Reigns," Barilleaux turns his attention to the realm of painting, identifying a significant trend toward exoticism, exuberance, and a renewed sense of optimism within the abstract art world. This book provides a lens through which to appreciate the resurgence of these qualities. Explore the pages of this exquisite volume and discover how these artists masterfully balance complexity and harmony, creating works that are both visually stunning and conceptually rich. "Beauty Reigns" is an invitation to reconsider the boundaries of abstract painting and to revel in the power of art to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and transport us to new realms of aesthetic experience. It's more than just a book; it's an immersion into a vibrant and evolving artistic landscape. With 144 pages filled with stunning full-color reproductions, this book offers a deep dive into the creative process of these 13 remarkable artists. Weighing in at 1043 grams, this hardcover edition is built to last and a wonderful addition to any art-lovers collection. This is an essential addition to the library of any art enthusiast, collector, or student eager to understand the current directions in abstract art.
