May 7, 2017 Online Catalog

111 - ALLEN SIMON HOMAGE TO FRAN KLINE KINETIC PAINTING

Allen Simon (1907-2007). This kinetic work of art, “Homage to Franz Kline,” is painstakingly constructed over many months. Two separate images are created, the artist keeping in mind that both images, when placed together, must blend into a multiple of third images. Like all artists, Allen Simon, went to various museums in the New York City area to study the masters, in order to learn how they solved various aesthetic problems, in order that he may learn and develop his own skills. On one such occasion, he discovered the works of Yaakov Agam, a prominent Israeli artist. Allen Simon, watercolorist, portrait painter, illustrator, art director, was hooked. The novel idea of creating an image that excited the eye from any angle, by an ever changing image was something he couldn’t resist attempting. “Homage to Franz Kline” is the dynamic result. One side offers the viewer the vibrant, bold interplay of of variants of primary colors. The other side presents. sturdy, somber but powerful, structural blacks and grays on a field of white. As the viewer walks by this kinetic, he or she will note, depending on which side is viewed first, the subtle intermingling of images from the vibrant (scintillating, baroque) to the structural or vis versa. And should he or she stop anywhere in the visual odyssey, the image at that moment, is a complete visual composition in its own right! (A conversation piece to be admired by one and all.). Allen Simon was born in Sheffield England in 1907. His professional studies included Cooper Union, the National Academy of Design, and the Art Student's League. After struggling economically through The Great Depression, Mr. Simon was offered the position as Art Director of the United Jewish Appeal, a fund raising organization. Measures 31 1/2" H x 40 1/2" W.

Pre-sale estimate $200 - 600