Two Reflections on Realism in SoHo
Some people think that Realism is just one thing: images that reflect our collective reality. But Realism can actually take many forms. You’ll find two of the best reflected in our new exhibition, Realism Reimagined: A Collection of Artwork by Jim Hathaway & Scott Jacobs, now through April 16 at Park West Gallery in SoHo, NYC. Jacobs took photorealism to new heights, often featuring the hard lines of chrome and metal in his motorcycle and car paintings. Hathaway creates softer images, painting the people and places around him using ancient materials like Sumi ink and Japanese paper. Each artist’s style creates art that showcases their own unique twist on Realism.
Hathaway is an American artist, who, while studying at the Art Students League of New York, learned that a good line is true and real. One day he wandered into the Chinese section of the Upper East Side and discovered a fresh and clean artistic style that had a profound influence on how he created his own art.
Eventually he moved to Japan and learned the ancient techniques of ink on paper. But, instead of traditional bamboo and bird imagery, he began using these traditional materials to paint contemporary subjects. The results give collectors a unique view of city life filled with personality, warmth and gorgeous clean lines.
Jacobs creates super-photorealism works of art that transcend reality with incredible details such as portraying transparent and reflective surfaces like glass and chrome. His motorcycle paintings caught the attention of a Harley-Davidson representative and, in 1993, Jacobs became the first officially licensed Harley-Davidson artist. He later became a licensed Chevrolet Corvette artist. Jacobs also paints incredibly realistic still lifes of flowers, wine bottles and spirits, along with a number or portraitures.
Park West Gallery invites you to experience two artists whose different views on reality are reinventing realism. Each shares the splendor of the world around them in art you want to be a part of your own reality and maybe even take home. Now through April 16, at the SoHo Gallery in New York City.
