Two new exhibitions open at Skidmore Contemporary Art. “Summer Confidential” features the art of Tracey Sylvester Harris, and “Duets,” which showcases the work of Alexandra Averbach.
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Tracey Sylvester Harris, Sunbather, Oil on canvas, 48″ x 48″ 2019

Here is info about the exhibitions from the gallery (written by Mirabelle Alan):
Tracey Sylvester Harris merges past and present in her exhibition Diving Boards and Floating Girls. While Harris’ distinctive, nostalgic figures are most notably associated with a previous time, she manages to ground the figures as relevant with her painting style. Harris says on her work, “to avoid sentimentality, I keep the composition bold and cropped, the paintwork loose, drippy and rough. Even pushing some areas into abstraction.” In Poolside Swimmer, certain nostalgic elements are apparent: a vintage-looking swimmers cap, classic red lips, and a retro, perhaps 1930s bathing suit. However, while these nostalgic qualities play a significant role in the work, Harris defies any notions of time. She challenges viewers to fuse past and present with her use of color, shape, and shadow. Harris utilizes vibrant, opaque colors such as her rich, deep blues of the ocean. Distinctive shapes act as shadows, defying realism. This way, the poolside swimmer is not necessarily a figure from the past, instead she is an omnipresent figure of all times.

Realist painter Alexandra Averbach‘s body of work is most notably identified by her details and stunningly executed still lifes.
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Alexandra Averbach, Bonny, Oil on canvas, 30” x 30” 2019

Inspired by her study of seventeenth century Dutch and Flemish artists such as Johannes Vermeer, Pieter Claesz, and Dirck de Bray, Averbach’s use of oil paint, color and shadow demonstrate a modern-day take on classical realism. Her oil painting Kindred Peonies exemplifies her style in her use of saturation and contrast. The dark blue background emphasizes the various pink hues and gives them more vibrancy. Similarly, her piece Indulgence speaks to her simplistic yet masterful technique. The subject is a mini-cheesecake topped with an exquisitely detailed strawberry. Deep, rich reds of the strawberry and jam are so elegantly executed that an everyday object becomes a perfected and extraordinary sight, creating the illusion of a gracefully crumbling cake and inviting viewers to take a bite.

On view: June 15 – July 20

What: Opening reception
Where: Skidmore Contemporary Art, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue, B-4, Santa Monica, CA, 90404
When: Saturday, June 15, 2019; 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Phone: 310-828-5070
Website: http://www.skidmorecontemporaryart.com;