FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROBERT KULICKE
PAINTINGS

October 22 - November 25, 2009

..........Adam Baumgold Gallery presents an exhibition of paintings by Robert Kulicke (1924 - 2007), from October 22 through November 25, 2009. The exhibition will feature a selection of 18 of Kulicke's paintings from the late 50's through the 80's; intimate still lifes of his signature subjects including flowers, fruit, vessels, and dollar bills. Throughout his career, Kulicke focused on small scale paintings executed in a meticulous yet effortless hand. Robert Kulicke studied painting with Fernand Léger, and credited Morandi with inspiring him to choose the modest subjects that became his vehicle of expression. His works reference a history that includes Dutch still life painting and Impressionism, while quietly upholding the Modernist value of "pure painting."

..........The works are presented in the artist's own handmade frames. An expert in gilding, jewelry making, and traditional craftsmanship, Kulicke's technical ability drew equally the Medieval art he studied and the Modernists who made up his circle.

..........Kulicke was known as the designer who "changed the look of postwar art by modernizing frame design," making frames for Robert Motherwell, Franz Kline and much of the MoMA Collection, Kulicke described his own paintings as "more 17th century than 20th."

..........In "Yellow and White Flowers," 1982, a humble bouquet of daisies and marigold emerge from the soft grey medium of the painting's surface. Paint touches the edge of the panel, leaving empty areas in which the illusion of depth falters. The painting is at once convincingly flowers, and purely paint on a board. Work such as this embraces Modernism without making a break from the ancient tradition of painting.

..........Robert Kulicke was born in Philadelphia and attended the Tyler School of Art (Temple University) and the Philadelphia Museum School. In 1949, he studied in Paris with Fernand Léger at the Academie Léger. Kulicke was an Associate Member of the National Academy of Design. His work is represented in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

..........The gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11-5:30 P.M. For additional information, please contact Adam Baumgold at (212)861-7338.

"Still Life with Water Glass," 1979
Oil on board
8 3/16" x 12 1/4"

"Still Life with Fish," 1979
Oil on board
5 1/8" x 10 1/8"