The Big Picture

There's a type of artist that tends to shun representation in favor of pure abstraction; this painter values the interior reality of emotions, memories and subconscious archetypes over the exterior, the public. Abstract expressionism perhaps embodied the apogee of this path of creative exploration, and the movement truly did produce a wealth of stunning work. But what once seemed brave and necessary can lapse into the chilly and overly subjective, so much so that paintings about something recognizable in the world outside ourselves begin to look awfully appealing again. St. Louisan Bill Kohn took this latter approach, and mastered it. In particular he specialized in the grand, dramatic subject translated to a fittingly huge canvas -- no minimalist airs here. These paintings aim for the bleachers and nail them. You can partake of this exhilarating effect at Bill Kohn: Monumental Paintings, the new exhibition at the Bruno David Gallery (3721 Washington Boulevard; 314-531-3030 or www.brunodavidgallery.com). Monumental Paintings opens with a free reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, October 11, and the work remains up through Saturday, October 26. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday and by appointment.
Wednesdays-Saturdays. Starts: Oct. 11. Continues through Oct. 26, 2013