Note on Art

Note on Art

A personal note from LeRoy Neiman on artistic process and reference.

This note from LeRoy Neiman provides an abridged, retrospective account of the artist’s ambitions, as understood in the most general sense. The writing initially unfolds through an emotionally grounded description that ties Neiman’s “self-discovery” to his “[finding] a place in the national public conscious”. This description is then followed by a discussion which (outside of touching on a few prized subjects for the artist) relays a more thorough exposition of Neiman’s style. The note concludes with musical metaphor.

LeRoy Neiman

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

LeRoy Neiman Foundation

c. 2006

LeRoy Neiman

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

Notes

Image/jpeg

English

Document

LN_Notes_884_01; LN_Notes_884_02

New York (N.Y.) New York

art proved a means of self-discovery, a source of self confidence
I soaked it all up – thunderstruck
My work found a place in (the) national public conscience

Back alley, night sports, plush brothels

I was instep with my time, never ahead [—] avant-garde, never behind. My style familiar and loved.
I was (as) personally negotiable as was my work – to all. The art crowd who authorizes didn’t acknowledge my prominence, thanks to their superiority of judgment of quality. But, they knew I was there because I was seen everywhere, me and my work or my work and me. My style of art and my lifestyle (were) rejected or ignored. Had no effect on my creativity or market /

As a painter, I was composer and also lyricist
Due

Pencil on paper.