Note on Art

Dublin Core

Title

Note on Art

Subject

A personal note from LeRoy Neiman, linking his work to that of English artist William Hogarth.

Description

This note from Leroy Neiman builds on a previous remark the artist made about William Hogarth. The front side of the envelope, on which Neiman's comment was written, provides a list of Hogarth’s works the artist took particular interest in, including Shrimp Girl (1740-45). Beyond this list, Neiman provides a brief definition of aestheticism in addition to the remark, “Neiman[’s] art addresses the relationship between man at/and Play and Play and the artist.” The note itself is entitled “Art / Hogarth.” The envelope’s reverse then expands on the subjects of aesthetics and play, with the activity of painting largely framed a creative and stylistic enterprise (i.e. [Neiman is] “enthralled with color density to advance or recede - to animate - rhythms"). This entry is one of the most comprehensive personal assessments of form found on Neiman’s behalf. 

Overall, the note itself is a bit of an oddity. Hogarth, a satirist, clearly had an interest in humor and play, but not necessarily color. And Neiman, however, seems to be saying his works’ process and animation somewhat singularly stems from color. Whatever the artist’s intention with the pairing, the comments offer insight not only into Neiman’s admiration for his predecessor but also his understanding of his own artwork. 

Creator

LeRoy Neiman

Source

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

Publisher

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

Date

c. 1990-2011

Contributor

LeRoy Neiman

Rights

Property of the LeRoy Neiman Foundation; please consult the organization's archivist for further details.

Format

Image/jpeg

Language

English

Type

Document

Identifier

LN_Notes_2308_01; LN_Notes_2308_02

Coverage

New York (N.Y.) New York

Text Item Type Metadata

Text

extensive contact with sophisticated places and personalities
instinct for the [?] – belief in art and yourself
commitment to pure color as a vehicle of emotion intensified accelerated
high-intensity color
value contrasts
enthralled with (color density, to advance or recede – to animate – rhythms)
figurative subject matter
Free handling of color
Forceful color
within the orbit
social order
(underclass INTENSE competition for bad jobs)
outlets for my art
figurative works
fusing spaces
conceit /

Neiman art addressed the relationship between man (at) Play and Play and the artist
ART
Hogarth
Hogarth 1759
Engraving the cockpit (cockfight)
Shrimp girl 1750s
Tombstone for pugilist
George Taylor – 1740 –
Died 1557
cock-pit
Roast Beef of Old England
More the observer then participant art the refuge – experience life by translating it
Things become more real when translated into art
meaningful
(aestheticism, aesthetic, athleticism)
Aestheticism
Athleticism

Original Format

Pencil, pen, and marker on paper.

Files

LN_Notes_2308_01.jpg
LN_Notes_2308_02.jpg

Citation

LeRoy Neiman, “Note on Art,” LeRoy Neiman Foundation, accessed March 28, 2024, https://leroyneimanfoundation.omeka.net/items/show/221.