Far Rockaway #24
Artist
Vladamir German
(American)
Date1986-89
MediumOil on wood
Dimensions26 1/2 × 37 1/2 in. (67.3 × 95.3 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Object numberUAC2714
DescriptionOne of the Far Rockaway Series, which are exemplified by a central scene surrounded by the several panels of color or other scenes related to the central piece. In number 24, this central panel has a pale dune-like landscape, or perhaps seascape, on which some dark structures rise in the distance. The panels arBound the central focus give a slightly different tinge to the same pastel landscape, capturing the different experiences one might have looking across a desert during different times of day.Far Rockaway #24 draws heavily on the established genre of landscape painting. Historically seen as a slightly lower form of art, compared to large scale history or religious paintings, landscapes became very popular as idyllic depictions of lands both far away and close to one’s home. Because of this idealism that landscapes had been associated with, many in the modern period looked to turn this on its head, either by showing the real, or, in German’s approach, giving it an affective level of visual uncertainty.
Born in the Soviet Union in 1940, Vladimir German moved to New York in 1981 and began to work in depicting various water environments and landscapes. He is known for his usage of color in his works, expertly blending pastel tones to convey an evocative nostalgic sepia experience of his subjects.
Written by Alex Heath
