Malcolm Liepke's Young Ingenues

 

'Malcolm Liepke was born in 1953 and raised in Minneapolis. 

 

Liepke’s masterful use and knowledge of his chosen medium, is the culmination of a long and ongoing apprenticeship, studying aspects of painters he holds in high esteem. Compositional and tonal nods to the likes of Singer Sargent, Whistler and Degas, the patterns and textures of Vuillard and an ever- evolving palette of vibrant colors, result in a combination, which defines Liepke’s unique identity as a contemporary painter.

 

The women depicted comprise of the innocent girl next door set aside glamorous fashionistas of a bygone era. These slender figures with elongated limbs and pouted lips are indicative of models more akin to the catwalks of the fashion world, yet through Liepke’s bravura brushwork he flips the proverbial finger to the Photoshopped, touched-up cover girl imagery of modern society.

 

The beauty of Liepke’s paintings is arrestingly self-evident. Through his subjects, he delves into various realms of human nature. Sensuality captured in an expression, a passionate embrace, the celebration of womanhood and feminine wiles are predominant themes he deftly conveys. Above all though, Leipke’s work is concerned with exploring the engagement between subject and viewer. An alluring look can turn into a piercingly lustful stare, trapping the onlooker. Such a direct connection with the subject verges on awkward and discomforting, if only momentarily, before being permitted to relax in the enjoyment of the reciprocated gaze. In contrast, our voyeuristic tendencies are provoked by seemingly catching a glimpse of an intimate moment in time, captured like a still from a film your mother would not approve of.

 

It is a formula that clearly works for Liepke, as he continues to enjoy phenomenal international success with sell-out exhibitions and numerous paintings in major collections worldwide.'

 

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