Greta Young
She cites de Kooning and Baselitz as other influences, admiring the latter’s “upside-down-ness.” Kara Walker’s bold black silhouettes are also a source of inspiration. But it wasn’t until I looked at her c.v. online that another connection clicked into place. Years ago Young studied with Knox Martin at the Art Students League in New York, and for sure some of that artist’s raucous and cartoony sexuality must have crept into her work.
Her preferred mediums include black or white gesso, oil sticks and oil paints. Lately, huge looming shapes appear in her canvases, inspired, she says, by mausoleums in Sillustani, Peru. Other ominous presences suggest shadows or flattened bodies or the aftermath of nuclear fallout.
In fact, a clutch of her paintings were standouts in a show two years ago at the Center for Contemporary Art in Santa Fe, “Atomic Surplus,” which surveyed artists’ reactions to New Mexico’s long history as the cradle of the atomic bomb. Young’s work was also included in “Art on the Edge,” curated by Toby Kamps, at the New Mexico Museum of Art in 2013. Her drawings were featured recently at the Argos Studio/Gallery in Santa Fe, and she is in talks for a pop-up show at Axle Contemporary, also in Santa Fe, this spring.
Greta Young mixes body parts with painterly detonations. Find out more about her at gretayoung.com.
What a wonderful start! A unique artist! Inspiring and informative! Thank you so much!
Beautiful exciting works from an artist with a new view of abstract. Energetic and bold!!
You can’t beat life experience when you pour your heart into the work.
Most engaging . . . I like the quirky anatomical suggestions . Also, the media , gesso and the oil sticks! Keep up the interesting work ! m. oliver: Taos
Ann Landi is finally back in full voice on this ground-breaking site, a contemporary platform rich in imagery, ideas and no-nonsense intellectual discourse. We can count on her ongoing insightful analysis and guidance in the sticky, mucky quagmire that she has helped so many of us navigate over the decades, only now with the integration of the myriad aspects of our diverse art world in one place, in real time…
This was a very enjoyable article to read about an artist with whom I was unfamiliar.
It is wonderful to see someone who has been doing such great work showcased here
Her work has energy, action and spontaneity. Instead of being still life, her subjects are in the process of becoming and transforming. Very exciting!
Greta Young’s work is one-of-a-kind. It has a visceral-visual impact.
Great art!! Glad to see someone so unique and gutsy. I’m looking forward to seeing more of her art.
Ominous and dark, and yet exploding with lifeforces beyond words. Of course, our dear Francis Bacon was exquisite in declaring, “If I could say it, I wouldn’t paint it,’ or words to that effect…
I love her work….and Ann Landi’s wit and wisdom. How fresh; a real opinion in the art world meant to educate, not eviscerate. Well done, Ann. I’m excited to see what other artists you honor, and bring into my living room which I would perhaps never have known.
Greta is so deserving of this wonderful review of her work. She has remained steadfast to her vision for her work for many years. It has been a joy to watch evolution. And, Bravo for this website, refreshing!
Explosive? A thundering herd of hippopotami hardly more so! How does it stay on the canvas?
Plenty o’ grit and a soupcon of wit!
Superbe graphisme!
Greta. How very cool that you are being creative. I remember you from your 2 years at OU. You were already a fascinating artist then. Enjoy. Ellen. from Bryan Hall
Ellen How Fabulous that you are in touch!! I hope you are well and that all is superb!