I had the good fortune last night of deciding to make the trek to Chelsea to attend the reception of an artist that I have long since admired. His name is Sandro Chia and he is a part of the Italian Ne0-Expressionist movement that began in the 80's. I remember poring over pictures of him in his studio with his many rows of Maimeri tubes, painting his idiosyncratic figures in strange settings. The pictures have become more simple over time, or perhaps deceptively so. The surfaces show lots of reworking and are all quite developed, even on the works on paper. What I enjoy most is the childlike innocence the images project, as well as the exuberant color choices. I was quite taken. He was standing outside with his Italian posse and I decided to go congratulate him and introduce myself. It is always special to be able to grasp the hands of the artists one admires. Filled with inspiration, I went home to paint, and freely I did. Thank God for Chelsea!
