In various guises, the human form endures as inspiration to artists across the globe. Some of the earliest artwork recorded features images of the human form and to this day remain breathtaking and iconic, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man” and Michelangelo’s “David.”
On Friday, Feb. 2, Goldenstein Gallery invites everyone to join in celebrating the art of the human form at the opening reception of its seventh annual Body Language show. Both classic and modern interpretations are included in this thought-provoking exhibition, which features the renowned works of James Muir, Lucius Upshaw, Sherab Khandro, Mike Medow, Ben Wright, David DeVary, David Phelps, Carla Romero, S.J. Shaffer, Orson Welles, Reagan Word, Upton Ethelbah and LauRha Frankfort.
Many of these stunning paintings and limited edition bronze sculptures reflect a freedom of movement, joy and a celebration of the human spirit. Many of these pieces also invite the viewer to be inspired, empowered and go within — perhaps to ask questions about life and themselves.
“My goal is for all walks of life to view my sculptures and be moved,” said sculptor James Muir of his bronze works. Muir has more than 100 sculptures collected for public spaces nationally. His 33-foot-tall sculpture “The Christ of the Holy Cross” will be installed at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in March.
“My intention with my work is to spread a message of inner and collective peace,” said Khandro of her pointillist paintings, bronze and sterling silver sculpture and intentional jewelry line.
“A worthwhile work of art must have true holding and staying power,” Medow said of his sculpted yoga figures. “It should be something of which one will not tire. Truly important art will summon the viewer back repeatedly and always offer new intrigue and interest on several different levels.”
American Indian painter Wright creates provocative, layered images of multicultural faces and symbols from the Lakota tradition.
“I allow the source from the Creator to flow through me, receiving the messages that become visually translated,” he said.
DeVary said confident people are attracted to his series of paintings, Cowboys and Cowgirls with Attitude.
Frankfort said her goal is to spread joy and expression. She is a multimedia artist, musician, singer and the first certified medical Qi Gong instructor in Arizona. She paints human form, mostly female, blending color along the body’s energy lines that correspond to healing certain body parts.
Goldenstein Gallery will also be featuring a special exhibit of renowned filmmaker Orson Welles’ work during the Sedona International Film Festival, Saturday, Feb. 24, through Sunday, March 4. As prolific as Welles was as an author and filmmaker, he was a visual artist first. Considered a child prodigy as a musician, painter and magician, his mother died when he was 9, and at 11, he was enrolled in the progressive Todd School in Woodstock, Ill., where he first developed his voice as an artist.
After graduation in 1930, he spent a summer at the Chicago Art Institute. When his father died in 1930, the following August, Welles set out for a now infamous walking and painting tour of Ireland. He continued to paint and sketch throughout his career, creating costume and set renderings, personalized Christmas cards, caricatures, illustrations and oil paintings.
The public is invited to meet local artists at the opening night reception for Body Language on Friday, Feb. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. during the 1st Friday Gallery Tour.
Visit GoldensteinArt.com for more information on artists, artwork, satellite exhibits, artists in residence and artists coffee talks. Call 204-1765. Open daily, Goldenstein Gallery is at 150 State Route 179, at the corner of State Routes 179 and 89A. Recently named the best place to shop in Sedona by USA Today 10 Best, Goldenstein Gallery is known for its diversity of world-renowned local and regional artists in all media and styles.
