Robert Williams

Conceptual Realism in the Service of the Hypothetical

Main Art Gallery at California State University, Northridge

February 20 - April 3, 2010

“Brute Waste (This An Irresistible Impulse To Leave No Sanctum Unspoiled)”

Thank God for Cal State Northridge’s heroic effort of bringing the

outsized show that is Robert Williams latest body of work, five years in the

making, to his home town area.

Years ago, Robert Williams hooked up with big time dealer Tony Shafrazi.

Tony, back in the day, was Jean-Michel Basquiat’s dealer, and also showed

Keith Haring and Kenny Scharf. Williams’ strategy for breaking into

the New York art world seems to be bearing huge fruit this year, as six of his

watercolors were selected to be included in the Whitney Biennial. The

Whitney show is generally regarded as one of the leading shows in the art

world, often setting or leading trends in contemporary art. All of this New

York activity is great for Williams career but Williams has never forgotten

his roots or his home-based following, so he has consistently been able to

find a museum venue to show his new work. The Northridge show was a

pleasure to experience.

I heard many positive comments on the variety of changes and surprises in

Williams’ work. People seemed to be blown away by Williams’ first foray into

monumental sculpture, and “Diamond in a Goat’s Ass” seems to be a favorite.

“Diamond in a Goat’s Ass (A Lyrically Poetic Euphemism for Pretension)”

Watercolors are a new addition to Williams’ portfolio, with all the raw

energy and complex ideas that define Williams as a master of oil painting.

It is no surprise that six of these were selected to represent Williams in the

Whitney, unless you wonder why they didn’t select one of his huge,

complex oil paintings. Possibly the curators want to see how Williams can

fit in, as opposed to him completely stealing the show.

 “The Romantic Reverie of Disaster”

  “Black Hole Lost And Found” 

“Eroded Limestone Cavern” 

Doug Blake and Nancy Ferguson, the producers of the soon-to-be-released

documentary Robert Williams: Mr. Bitchin', were on hand, and mentioned that

the world premiere is going to be at LACMA on Wednesday, June 16, 2010. Get your

tickets now for this informative and entertaining event.

So, thank you Cal State Northridge, for bringing California’s national

treasure back to his home stomping grounds for all of us to enjoy.

“Wooden Spirits Persist Where Termites Fear To Tread”

Oil on Canvas 

“The Persuasion of Right Angles”

Oil on Canvas 

“Greater Concerns than Mere Puppetry”

Oil on Canvas

“Hollywood After Midnight”

Oil on Canvas

“Brute Waste (This An Irresistible Impulse To Leave No Sanctum Unspoiled)”

Smaller Bronze Sculpture

LINKS:

CSUN Art Galleries

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA, 91330-8299

Exhibition info line:

818-677- 2226

http://www.csun.edu/artgalleries/index.html

Whitney Biennial

February 25–May 30, 2010

http://www.whitney.org/Exhibitions/2010Biennial/RobertWilliams

San Antonio Museum of Art

Psychedelic: Optical and Visionary Art since the 1960s

March 13 through August 1, 2010

http://www.samuseum.org/exhibitions/detail.php?id=39

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