M. Louise Stanley, Jupiter and Io, 2008. acrylic on canvas, 62 x 80 inches.
Alternatively, a grandiose personality can’t always be contained by tight dimensions. Over at the George Adams Gallery booth, I got to connect with M. Louise “Lulu” Stanley, whose enormous paintings were displayed alongside Elisa D’Arrigo’s glazed ceramics.
Stanley’s gargantuan acrylic paintings were full of life, motion, and humor, rife with symbolism and classical references, and a clear extension of her prowess as an artist and instructor.
“During last night’s preview, Lulu turned the booth into a classroom — she was leading large groups of guests through each work and speaking to them about it,” said Gallery Director Charlotte Kahn. “It’s great to support these exceptionally talented, brilliant women who have been under-appreciated.”
Stanley did just that when I naturally commented on the appearance of a dog in her painting “Jupiter and Io” (2008), walking me through her painterly decisions, thought processes, and other easter eggs throughout the composition.
Geometric abstraction, botanical art, and figuration- and portraiture-heavy historical materials were abundantly present throughout the fair in addition to the realism. The Art Show has also debuted a new program called “Spotlight On …” that focuses on ADAA member galleries from a new city each year, starting with Houston, Texas. Just look out for a star on the gallery labels atop each booth, as the symbol denotes Houston participants.