SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2010
KLMNO At the Phillips, falling into whiteness with two different artists art from E1
As for the two displays of white- ness, they use the same glare to achieve very different ends.
Robert Ryman
Ryman’s story and shtick are simple. He was born in 1930 in Nashville, came to New York to study jazz, got a job as a guard at the Museum of Modern Art and, from 1955 or so on, set himself up as the guy who painted white squares — thousands by now, with more coming all the time from a master who turned 80 last Sunday. That summary is more or less
correct. It also gets you nowhere with his art. The thing about Ry- man’s “white squares” isn’t how much alike they are; it’s how unique he manages to make each one. A recent picture confirms the classic Ryman cliche: It’s a white- primed canvas, 14 inches by 14, with a glossy white square painted on top reaching almost to its edges. There’s a surprising amount going on: Your initial im- pression of a perfectly uneventful white field gets undone when you notice how the high-gloss paint stands out against its matte ground. That almost-minimal work sets a baseline that other Ry- mans depart from. One piece is a scruffy fragment of dark canvas, left unstretched and carrying a broken web of
Paul, Minn., in 1916, started show- ing in Manhattan in the 1930s, found success in the 1950s as a mi- nor member of the so-called New York School (Pollock and de Koon- ing were its major lights), then kept faith with expressive abstrac- tion until his death in 1992. (That year, the Phillips gave him a solo show; it now owns four of his works.) Pousette-Dart was mostly known for paintings that tended toward bold colors and lashings of paint. His rare white-on-white moment is presented via 27 works mostly made between 1950 and 1954. White, in Pousette-Dart, be- comes a kind of veil tried out brief- ly on top of clearer things. Conservators working on
COURTESY OF ROBERT RYMAN/PHILLIPS COLLECTION ESTATE OF RICHARD POUSETTE-DART/ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY
DIFFERENT PURPOSES: Robert Ryman’s white paint in “Untitled,” 1965, left, draws attention, whereas Richard Pousette-Dart’s white in “White Flower,” 1952, muffles what’s beneath.
crisscrossing white brushstrokes. Another is the same dark canvas, this time stretched and covered with longer, parallel white strokes that cross from edge to edge. A third is a sequence of five squares of blackened metal, each with a smaller square of white enamel baked into its upper-right corner. In 1964, Jasper Johns made a
drawing that suggested art could consist of a series of actions: It car- ried the words “cut,” “tear,” “scrape” and “erase” written above an example of each act. Ryman’s
pictures look as though he took such an “activist” notion to heart, but across the most limited field of endeavor. “What if I try this?” Ryman says, enlarging the few spidery strokes of his signature into almost illeg- ible pencil lines that dance top to bottom across a square of anod- ized aluminum. “Or how about this,” says Ryman, turning the metal brackets that hold a picture to the wall into an integral part of the work by using his trademark white paint to draw attention to
them.
Despite this exhibition’s title, these pictures don’t read as stylis- tic variations on a single theme. You could almost imagine the 26 works having been done by 26 art- ists, sharing one little basketful of art supplies.Looking at how much Ryman achieved with such lim- ited tools, you ask yourself “What will he do next?”
Richard Pousette-Dart
Richard Pousette-Dart was born into an artsy family in Saint
“White Garden, Sky,” a 1951 paint- ing on loan from the National Gal- lery — and possibly the best work in the show — pointed out that its whites were laid down over a blue ground. In “White Flower,” from the next year, blues and yellow peek out from under Pousette- Dart’s snow. In almost all the pic- tures, white muffles what’s be- neath it. Pousette-Dart’s white paintings are not really monochromes. They have too much going on: layerings and tangles of beiges and grays, as well as skeins of pencil line. But if you keep looking, what emerges from beneath these paintings’ hints and drifts is a fairly normal view of reality, and of painting.
We glimpse upright thrusts that could be people and level edges that might be fragments of hori- zon. There are remnants of right- angles that could be corners in buildings and a few quite recog- nizable bodies, as in a painting called “Quiet Lovers” that sug- gests a woman’s breasts and a man’s torso. And in almost all these pictures, the basic structure of Western picture making — a “subject” in the center set onto a “field” that empties out as it moves toward the frame — is never aban- doned. It’s only a bit of an exagger- ation to say Pousette-Dart’s paint- ings could be an academic paint- er’s works, under an overlay of modern white. The elegiac, music- through-a-fog impression given by these works may be all about nos- talgia for Old Master traditions, glimpsed here for the last time be- fore they fade completely away. Somehow, Pousette-Dart’s art of the 1950s seems to look back to the 19th century. Ryman’s looks forward to the 21st.
gopnikb@washpost.com
Robert Ryman: Variations and Improvisations and Pousette-Dart:
Predominantly White
Paintings run through Sept. 12 at the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW. Call 202-387-2151 or visit www.
phillipscollection.org.
Engagements | Weddings | Anniversaries ——Weddings——
To place an announcement: email:
weddings@washpost.com phone: 202-334-5736 fax: 202-334-7188 Anniversaries
Cora Amy Allman Marries Michael Kent Dean —May 22, 2010—
Kay MilestoneWedding Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Dean
Cora Amy Allman and Michael Kent Dean were married May 22 at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, the Rev. Mark Craig presiding, assisted by the Rev. Tamara Strehli, cousin of the bride. Music was provided by the Itashiki Strings and the Texas Boys Choir.
Ms. Allman is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce M. Allman of Dallas, Texas. Mr. Dean is the son of the late Vernon Gerald Dean and Mrs. Gretchen Dean of Monroe, Louisiana.
Ms. Allman graduated from Emory University and is Chief Administrative Officer for Ogilvy Government Relations in Washington, D.C. Mr. Dean is a graduate of Duke University and the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He is Vice President, Government Relations, with the National Cable and Telecommunications Association inWashington, D.C.
Matron of Honor was Mrs. Margaret Allman Cowan, Miss Allie Beth Cowan was Maid of Honor both from Dallas, Texas, Bridesmaid was Mrs. Kim Taylor Dean from Washington, D.C., Benjamin M. Dean from Washington, D.C. was Best Man, Groomsmen were R. Christopher Cowan and R. Mac Cowan both from Dallas, Texas.
Among others in the wedding party were Honorary Brides- maids Ms. Tillie Ann Fowler, Mrs. Reagan McKee Anderson, Mrs. Tara Bradshaw, all fromWashington, D.C. and Ushers Mr. TimJohnson and Mr. Cameron Lynch fromWashington, D.C.
Following their honeymoon in the Maldives Islands and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the couple will reside inWashington, D.C.
Mr. and Mrs. Zanone ——Anniversaries——
O' Brien - Reynolds 55th Anniversary —May 7, 1955—
Patricia Ann O'Brien and William Henry Reynolds Jr. Patricia Ann O'Brien and William Henry Reynolds Jr.
Patricia Ann O'Brien and William Henry Reynolds Jr. were married on May 7, 1955 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. Bill, a graduate of Gonzaga College High School and The Catholic University of America, had been awarded the Purple Heart for his service in WWII. Pat was a graduate of Holy Trinity High School, Immaculata Junior College and the Columbus School of Law. Bill went on to enjoy a long career with the American Instru- ment Company in Silver Spring, and after dedicating many years to volun- teer work and raising their five chil- dren, Pat completed an LLM at George Washington Law School, and became an attorney for the National Labor Rela- tions Board. Pat and Bill are long time parishioners of St. Bernadette Catholic Church, where they are still active, and enjoy traveling and spending time with friends and family. Their children Mike, John, Sharon and her husband John, Tim, Patrick and his wife Stasia, and their grandchildren, Meghan, Conor, Sean, Colin, Emmet and Owen wish them a Happy 55th Anniversary, and many more years of love and happiness!
On June 4, 1960 Joyce Conkin and John Zanone were united in marriage at St. Thomas More Church in Arling- ton, Virginia. After working and raising their family in the D.C. area they are thoroughly enjoying their retirement in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their four chil- dren and spouses and seven grand- children wish them many more years of joy together. After 50 years of mar- riage they still love nothing better than chatting for hours over coffee.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee
Congratulations to Richard and Joann Lee on the 50th anniversary of their wedding. We hope you look back on the last fifty years with happiness and pride. From your three boys David, Michael and Peter; your three daughters-in-law Diane, Daryl and Lauralyn; your eight grandchildren Connor, Duncan, Jes- sica, Russell, Peyton, Carlton, Caro- line and Annalise; your sister Pat; your nieces Karen and Nancy; your nephews-in-law Steve and Steve; and your great-nieces Daryl and Trish. We look forward to celebrating this wonderful occasion at the Grand Canyon.
Mr. and Mrs. Kay
Celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary are Mary Margaret "Marge" Dixon Kay and Edward "Ed" William Kay. They have 6 children, 3 granddaughters, and 13 grandsons. They met at the University of Pittsburgh.After grad- uating, they married in a lovely June wedding. They raised their children in Pittsburgh and moved to Potomac, MD in 1977 when Ed was named Managing Partner of the Mid Atlantic Region of Ernst & Ernst. Later, Ed was promoted to Co-Chairman at Ernst & Young (formerly Ernst & Ernst) and retired in 1989. In celebration of their anniversary, all six children will travel from six states to honor them for a surprise family celebra- tion. Ed and Marge's lives togeth- er have been full of faith, family, friends, travel, golf, abundant love and much laughter. Congratula- tions Marge and Ed!
Zanone Golden Anniversary
—June 4, 1960—
Lee Golden Anniversary —June 11, 1960—
Del Buono Golden Anniversary —June 4, 2010—
E11
Mr. and Mrs. Del Buono
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Del Buono of Springfield, Virginia celebrate the 50th anniversary of their blessed union on June 4, 2010. Patricia Bernotas and John Del Buono (Pat and Jack) exchanged vows at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waterbury, Connecticut before 150 close family members and friends on a beautiful spring day. The happy couple departed their wedding reception at Cipriano’s Restaurant for a honeymoon in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in a hot red 1955 Chevy BelAir, and have been on the road ever since.
Jack and Pat moved 22 times in 26 years due to Jack’s career as an officer in the United States Army, living in several US states, Italy and Germany. Pat continued her career as a registered nurse in every duty station. They dedicated their lives to the rearing of three children – Brian, Lisa and Karin – who are eternally grateful for the example of love and support that they have so generously bestowed on them. Nana and Pappy now devote themselves to following the activities of their active grandchildren – Matthew, Michael, Alison and Dustin. They spend as much time as possible at their second home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with their immediate family gathered around them. Their children and grandchildren look forward to celebrating their Golden Anniversary with them this summer on a Caribbean Cruise.
Tierney Diamond Anniversary
—April 15, 1950—
Daly Golden Anniversary —June 4, 1960—
Mr. and Mrs. Daly Mr. and Mrs. Tierney
John and Emily Tierney were married at St. Ann’s Church in West Spring- field, Massachusetts on April 15, 1950. They will celebrate their 60th Anniversary this weekend with their family. Their love and commitment to one another and to their family these past six decades have been an inspira- tion to all who know them. Thank you, Mom and Dad! Love, Mary, Kathleen (John), Ann (Patrick), Margaret (Peter), John (Caroline) and your nine grand- children.
Tip #2: Getting married
away from home? Travel two days or more before the ceremony to be sure you’re there in time.
Declare Your Love!
Announce your Engagement,Wedding or Anniversary in The Washington Post’s Sunday Arts & Style Section. (Birthdays, Graduations & other Special Events have moved to Thursdays.) You may provide text and photos. Color is available. Many packages include keepsake plaques of your announcement.
To place an order and for more information, including rates: Contact Alexa McMahon at:
weddings@washpost.com Or call 202.334.5736, toll free 877.POST.WED, fax 202.334.7188
All materials must be received by Monday at 1 p.m.
On June 4, 1960 William Francis Daly and Carolyn Margaret Guthrie were united in the Sacrament of Holy Mat- rimony at Saint Theresa of Lisieux Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY. On June 5th, close friends and family celebrated their golden anniversary at Fort Belvoir's Officers Club. Their love and commitment for the past 5 decades has been shared with their children and spouses, Bill & Kay, Steve & Wendy, Tim & Debra and Donna & Robert; and their grandchildren, Christopher, Ryan, Morgan & Caroline.
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