Neil Anderson at Bridgette Mayer Gallery
By Allan Lane | August 22, 2023
The artistic legacy of Neil Anderson Shines in the “Earth Songs: Last Paintings” exhibition at Bridgette Mayer Gallery.
Bridgette Mayer Gallery is set to honor the captivating artistry of Neil Anderson (1933-2021) in a remarkable solo exhibition titled “Earth Songs: Last Paintings.” The show, running from September 5th to October 21st, 2023, pays homage to Anderson’s profound connection with nature and his remarkable legacy. This celebration of life and art will commence with an event at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Hamilton Auditorium on Friday, September 8th, featuring guest speakers familiar with Anderson’s work. The festivities will continue with an exhibition opening and reception at Bridgette Mayer Gallery later that day.
Neil Anderson, a contemporary painter renowned for his non-representational artworks, drew inspiration from the natural landscapes surrounding his rural central Pennsylvania studio. His creations, often improvised with colors, textures, and shapes, exude a sense of spontaneity and harmony. As a long-time professor at Bucknell University, Anderson nurtured young artistic minds for over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art.
His paintings have graced prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Anderson’s unique approach to painting, marked by instinct and improvisation, resonates deeply with the essence of nature itself.
“Earth Songs: Last Paintings” will showcase some of Anderson’s most compelling works, including previously unseen pieces and his final six paintings. The exhibition will also feature two etchings produced in collaboration with the Philadelphia print studio CR Ettinger Studio. The Vault will house a curated collection of watercolors and works on paper that illuminate Anderson’s artistic journey over the years.
Anderson’s “Earth Songs” series is at the heart of this exhibition, a celebration of nature’s beauty and significance. Anderson’s process-driven method, characterized by spontaneity and complexity, captures the interconnectedness of different elements. His compositions are celebrated for their intuitive color use and meticulous arrangement. In his own words, Anderson described his creations as “unique songs that celebrate the earth, the ground under our feet,” reflecting the profound connection between his art and the natural world.
Neil Anderson’s “Earth Songs: Last Paintings” exhibition allows art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the captivating world of a visionary artist whose legacy continues to resonate. With each brushstroke, Anderson’s deep appreciation for nature and his creative spirit come alive, creating a symphony of colors and forms that pay homage to the earth’s beauty.