Judith Linhares’s latest exhibition at PPOW Gallery, titled “The river is moving, The blackbird must be flying,” draws inspiration from Wallace Stevens’s poem “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” (1917). The exhibition features 17 paintings created between 2023 and 2024, each offering a unique and captivating experience for viewers.
At first glance, Linhares’s paintings may appear simplistic, with just a few elements depicted on the canvas. However, upon closer inspection, the intricate details and masterful use of color and texture become apparent. The artist employs a variety of techniques to create depth and complexity in her work, from bold strokes that define the images to radiant diagonals that add a sense of movement and energy.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is “Housekeeping,” a large painting that portrays an odalisque reclining by a roaring fire. The figure’s blue-toned face and eerie expression contrast with the warm colors of the background, creating a sense of unease. In another painting, titled “Clearing,” two women engage in labor, with one chopping wood and the other sitting on cut logs. The contrasting colors of orange and purple highlight the dichotomy between work and leisure.
Linhares’s narratives are filled with whimsical elements and underlying menace, inviting viewers to unravel the mysteries within each painting. From a blue lady cradling a rabbit to a genie hidden in a lit lamp, the works spark curiosity and contemplation. The artist’s use of color and pattern evokes the vibrant interiors of Matisse and Bonnard, while also paying homage to Modernist influences like Rousseau and Brancusi.
“Judith Linhares: The river is moving, The blackbird must be flying” is on display at PPOW Gallery in Manhattan until April 19. The exhibition showcases the artist’s exceptional talent and invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of vivid imagery and enigmatic storytelling.
