American painter Norman Lewis’s work is mostly abstract, but when viewers look closely, they may notice musical instruments, people and even penguins – shapes and figures that are more recognizable after careful observation.
That’s what independent curator Ruth Fine hopes visitors will see when they visit the Amon Carter Museum of American Art’s newest exhibit, Procession: The Art of Norman Lewis. The free exhibit runs from June 4-Aug. 21 and showcases about 65 works by Lewis, who was an artist in the Harlem and downtown areas of New York City from the 1930s-1970s.
“You just learn what art’s about by looking carefully at Lewis,” Fine said.
The exhibit is divided into six sections: In the City, Visual Sound, Rhythm of Nature, Ritual, Civil Rights and Summation. Check out some of the works below and see if you can spot some of the hidden objects.
Title unknown, 1947 (found in the “Visual Sound” section)
The “Visual Sound” section of the exhibit shows how music, particularly jazz, influenced Lewis’s art. Fine said the work below has parts of musical instruments scattered throughout. Mouse over the photo for a few examples of the instruments hidden in this image.
Arctic Night, 1951-1952 (found in the “Rhythm of Nature” section)
The “Rhythm of Nature” section, as the name implies, shows Lewis’s works that are based on nature. Fine said there are tiny animals in the image below. Mouse over the photo to find out what animals are being depicted.
Title unknown, 1947 (found in the “Ritual” section)
The works in the “Ritual” section show how the Labor Day Parade, launched in Harlem in the 1940s, influenced Lewis’s art. Mouse over the photo to find out what’s hidden in the work below.
American Totem, 1960 (found in the “Civil Rights” section)
As an African American artist, Lewis tried to subtly reference the 1960s Civil Rights movement in many of his works, Fine said. Mouse over the photo to find out what inspired the work below.
The Wanderer (Johnny), 1933 (found in the “In the City” section)
The section titled “In the City” features art from Lewis’s early career in the 1930s, which were less abstract. The work below is one example.
Aurora Borealis, 1972-76, and Part Vision, 1971 (found in the “Summation” section)
The “Summation” section showcases some of Lewis’s larger works, completed in the latter part of his life. Aurora Borealis is on the left, and Part Vision is on the right.
Photos by Samantha Calimbahin
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Amon Carter Museum of American Art
June 4-Aug. 21