Vintage and Contemporary Unite

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     There is an old saying that dates back to the 17th century when it comes to spring’s weather, “March comes in like a lion, out like a lamb,” and in comparison to this first series of Contemporary Art Openings at the new Harvey’s Art Gallery & Showroom in West Hollywood, whereas I was chosen to curate as well as select from my circle of artists for the opening the gallery, the exhibition opened with Dan Pyle and Hal Yaskulka, two extraordinary artists of our time. Needless to say, I was amazed how not only the guests, but also others “stormed” the place to get a “taste” of something old and something new.

Partial interior view of show.

     Noted as a Hollywood institution for decades, all the studios come to Harvey’s first when they are looking for period decor and furniture. Harvey Schwartz decided to leave his cavernous 130,000 square foot “prop house” and to open this gallery of vintage furniture and contemporary art. It is a beautiful marriage of styles and generations.

     It was my privilege to present Dan Pyle who has been drawing since childhood. Throughout the years, he has displayed his work in exhibitions nationwide, whereas he has not only won domestic, but also international awards for his work, and as of today, his charcoal drawings are in major collections from Canada to Malaysia, including he has also received many profiles and magazine covers.

"Penthouse in Purgatory" by Dan Pyle

     Most recently, artist Pyle was commission for a very large body of work to be permanently installed in the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada; thusly becoming a part of their impressive art collection. His latest masterpiece, “Penthouse in Pergatory,” took him 1200 hours to complete and years of contemplation after his trip to Poland.

     An author of numerous books and art criticisms as well as an artist in his own right, William A. Emboden, PhD. F.L.S says, “Dan Pyle is noted for his exceptional photo-realism achieved through graphite imagery utilizing Q-tips and other unconventional methods. His sense of the moment is, like Cartier Bresson, in the essential moment.” With these types of evaluations, I completely understand why Dan continues to challenge himself while expanding his artistic world.

     Born and classically trained New York, I am also honored to have Hal Yaskulka as one of my greats for this series preview. His artistry has awarded him many one man and group exhibitions across the USA. One of Hal’s strong suits is figurative work; however the latter came to a halt when he lost his mother in The World Trade Center on 911. He was unable to draw any figurative works for many years, but he has just started again.

“Illuminated Gathering” by Hal Yaskulka

     One of the most powerful works is the “Illuminated Gathering,” reminds me of Holocaust artist Josef Nassy interpretation of the “Showers.” However you see the spiritual in all Hal’s artworks and the musical inspiration in his abstract paintings like, “Kandinsky Weeps.” 

     Yaskulka has also been published in Watson & Guptill Publications and Rizzoli Publishing -both Ivy Press Limited. His commissioned works are featured in the award winning film “The Departed”, “Rush Hour”, “Maiden Heist”, and “Contraband” with actor Mark Walberg; TV show “Suburgatory”, and to be released soon, ”Linda Lovelace.” In addition, his work is on Record labels from Capitol Records to Motown. Most recently, Hal won another competition as well as one of his paintings is in the Pasadena History Museum that opened March 10, 2012.

     In the past, artist Yaskulka has taught at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California and today he continues to teach painting and drawing classes privately and at the Kline Academy in Los Angeles.

     This Contemporary Art Opening exhibition is on view through April 14, 2012 at Harvey’s Art Gallery & Showroom, 8155 West Beverly Blvd in Los Angeles, California. Viewing hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm as well as by appointment by calling 323. 944.0900.

By Tony Clark, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

 

Editor’s note: The 4-page print version can be found at:

http://www.scribd.com/arttoartpalette/d/85889475-Vintage-and-Contemporary-Create-New-Dimension-in-Art 

or open the pdf with Adobe below:

 Vintage and Contemporary create new dimension in art

15 thoughts on “Vintage and Contemporary Unite”

  1. Dan Pyle

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    I’m very proud to be a part of this exhibition and greatly appreciate the interest as well as the attendance. My sincere thanks to Harvey for allowing me to be a part of this grand opening. In additon, I am looking forward to the future Contemporary Art Openings. Respectfully, Dan Pyle – http://danpyleartist.com

  2. Bill Haugse

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    The gallery sounds great, looks great and I am eager to see it, including the show. I know some of artist Pyle’s incredible work, but have not yet to seen artist Yaskulka’s works, however I am much eager and will lure my eyes to feast upon them. Also it is exceptionally wonderful to see Chevalier Clark continuing his mission to shake up the LA art scene, which can always use shaking up. http://williamhaugse.com

  3. Lark

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    So happy for you, my favorite artists – Dan and Hal – and favorite curator – Tony Clark! What a combination of the stars. Hope viewers had a blast seeing this exhibition and I want to have a privat viewing for myself. Tony your article is very deep and reflect the beauty of your exhibition.

    Best wishes to sell it all!

    Lark – http://www.larkgallery.org

  4. Jason Jenn

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    It was quite a wonderful evening. Fantastic job by the artists, curator Tony Clark, and venue! For me it was a great introduction to Harvey’s – I was magnificently surrounded by curiosities and fine artifacts at every turn. The canvases by Hal impressively adorned the walls and immediately demanded attention. And Dan Pyle’s work, now seen for the 3rd time, just gets better and better. I really love his skill and talent. The evolution of the graphite work on wood, which gives such an old time sepia tone, is just sublime. http://www.hiveworld.org

  8. Laura of LA

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    I am in the privileged position of being surrounded daily by the evocative artwork in the exhibition of the amazingly talented artists, Hal Yaskulka and Dan Pyle. As the Showroom Manager of Harvey’s on Beverly, I have seen firsthand not only the transformation the beauty of the pieces have added to the ambience of the Showroom, but also the exciting reaction by the customers to the hauntingly beautiful modern mixed media and classical oil on canvas paintings by Hal Yaskulka and the stunning and technically masterful photo realist charcoal drawings by Dan Pyle. On a personal note, I feel honored to be working with the fascinating, learned and talented Chevalier Tony Clark. His knowledge and passion for art is an inspiration.

  9. Kate

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    Very excited to see the show. I plan to visit next week with a friend from out of town. Knowing Tony and Harvey, I know it will be fabulous!

  11. Anita Rosenberg

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    Amazing venue for an art exhibition. Combining vintage furniture with the art that makes it pop is a brilliant idea. Hats off to Tony for curating such a lovely show.www.anitarosenberg.com

  13. Dusty

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    What a great venue – new art in an old setting. They sure mix well as well as it sure was a feast for my eyes. Dusty

  14. Michael

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    Marvelous selection of work and artists to present in the opening of this series. Hats off to Tony Clark for his wise and creative choices. Wishing much continued success to all involved.

  15. Harvey

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    Thank You Everyone For Supporting The March – April Show.
    Your Turn Was Great And I Hope You’ll Come To Our Next Show Opening April 26 6 to 9.
    Our April – May Show Will Be Fantastic with No Less Then Ten Different Artists With unbelievable Diversity, I Can’t Wait. See You There ……Please RSVP

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