Alex Katz’s “This is Now” Exhibit at High Museum of Art Atlanta
On June 21, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta revealed a new exhibit titled “This is Now” which features works by Alex Katz, a figurative painter, which is an artist who paints real objects or figures.
Katz’s collection of landscape paintings is named “This is Now” because of the feeling of time he was trying to represent.
According to the High Museum’s website, Katz’s goal for the exhibit was to capture images of things moving quickly. He attempted to give the feeling of these things being in the present tense or “the now.”
Katz is mostly known for his portraits, but the exhibit displays his unique landscapes paintings which capture a different side of his artistic ability. Katz stands out from most artists because of his use of figurativism which makes his artwork unique and attracts attention from art enthusiasts.
“His figurative work is breathtaking and beautiful" said Joyce Patterson, a museum visitor.
“This is Now” is a very unique exhibit due to its interesting use of style and color, making it stand out among other exhibits at The High. According to the High Museum’s website, the landscapes feature flattened planes of color, shallow pictorial space, and lean, reductive but acutely descriptive lines. These characteristics represent Katz’s personal style, which makes him stand out among other artists.
"His work is different from what I’ve seen before. The shapes and colors make you feel something real" said Jim, a museum visitor.
The feeling that viewers get from looking at a piece is the core of the work itself. If the art provokes little to no emotion, the piece is not successful. So, when an exhibit like “This is Now” makes observers of the works feel something, it proves that it’s worth noticing.
