Some great news for UK fans. For the first time in too many years there is going to be a proper exhibition of Don’s art work.
Called ‘Don Van Vliet : Standing on one Hand’ this is an exhibition of paintings from the 1980s and 1990s.
Venue : Michael Werner Gallery, 22 Upper Brook Street, London W1K 7PZ
Date: 23 NOVEMBER 2023 – 3 FEBRUARY 2024 (Private View: 22 November, 6-8pm)
(Note : it will be closed between 22 December 2023 and 2 January 2024)
Curated by Charlie Fox., the Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
From the Michael Werner Gallery press release :
Nature was a source of great inspiration for Van Vliet. The desert, where he spent a large portion of his life, inspired his thick, white painted backgrounds, reminiscent of the desert sun. Van Vliet has said, “The way I keep in touch with the world is very gingerly.”
In tune with animals and nature, the artist was also fully engaged with his senses and dreams. Art critic John Yau explains: “Dream, sight, sounds, smell, taste, and touch are inextricable aspects of his experience. For Van Vliet, one of the burdens his paintings must bear is his attempt to preserve the unity of his experience with a fleeting world in which the inner and outer zones mix.”
Great news, a good excuse for a mid winter trip down the smoke.
Whilst you’re there I also recommend the Courtaulds gallery @somerset house, if you were to put together a Top 20 of french impressionists, i reckon at least 12 are there together in one space.