Artist Syd Solomon with “Westcoastalscape”, Baiting Hollow, New York, 1968. Courtesy of the Estate of Syd Solomon/Via the MFA
By Greg C. Truax, Publisher
The Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Petersburg is featuring the Abstract Expressionism works of artist Syd Solomon in an exhibit that runs through Jan. 20.
The “Views from Above” exhibit, a wide range of works from 1945 through the 1980s by the late artist, is located in the museum’s Lee Malone Gallery. Works in the exhibition are from the MFA’s collection and the Estate of Syd Solomon.
“His multilayered paintings are characterized by stunning sweeps of color contrasts and complex layering. Many of his works are inspired by nature and Florida landscape,” according to the musuem.
Mr. Solomon (American, 1917-2004) led an interesting life. He served as an aerial camouflage specialist during World War II, and survived the Battle of the Bulge, but suffered a serious case of frostbite, an injury that led the artist and Annie, his wife, to settle in Sarasota in 1946, in search of a warmer climate. Mrs. Solomon still resides in the Sarasota area.
Artist Solomon had a major impact on the local arts community in Sarasota. He helped establish the Fine Arts Institute at New College, and also was the first living artist to be accessioned into the collection from the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
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