March 2021: Gordon Meinhard

Gordon Meinhard’s work in this series modulates between painting and drawing. Even in paint, his art retains the immediacy and freshness of a drawing. The background and the central figure in each piece (a roughly square table) are richly articulated in paint; the top layer comprises a skein of images imparting the feel and mark making of oil pastel, though much of it, too, is actually paint.

Though depicting humble tables, Meinhard’s creations bear physical and psychological nuances, requiring careful observation to unlock their riches. At first the works seem to be straightforward examples of Modernist still life painting. As one spends time looking, however, the tables take on personality. A leg shows itself off to best advantage; a table gently leans forward as if to bow; another seems to take umbrage, rearing up on its back edge. As the series progresses the tables become more animated, ultimately seeming almost sentient.