This permanent collection exhibition pairs twenty Arnold Newman portraits alongside artworks created by the artists represented therein. Spanning several decades, the selected photographs demonstrate Newman’s pioneering approach to creating “environmental portraits,” a term later attributed to his signature style that he began in 1941 in New York City. In some instances, Newman’s photographs incorporate small details of actual artworks created by the subjects. Many of these elements are echoed in the pieces on view that range from gestural abstraction to Pop art to Surrealism. When the pairs are exhibited together, they build upon Newman’s environmental portraits and allow viewers to gain a deeper understanding of his innovative approach.
This exhibition was curated by the Lowe’s Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Caitlin Swindell and organized by the Lowe Art Museum.
Sponsors:
Expression of Self: Arnold Newman’s Artist Portraits in Context was made possible by the Arnold and Augusta Newman Foundation. Additional funding was provided by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the City of Coral Gables; Beaux Arts Miami; and Lowe members.
Image credits:
Left: Arnold Newman, Lee Krasner, New York City, 1973, 1973. Gelatin silver print, 7 7/8 x 9 7/8 inches. Gift of the Estate of the Artist, 2007.31.28 © Arnold Newman
Right: Lee Krasner, Free Space, 1976. Screen print, 19 ½ x 26 1/8 inches. Gift of Kenneth and Helyne Treister, 94.0037.08.04.
