Prints from the Brandywine Workshop

Any of the artists who have printed at Brandywine are deeply committed to social justice and the use of their art as a way to document and explore culture and the human condition. Their images reflect both memory and prophecy, often exploring the tragic rather than–in the words of former visiting artists Jacob Landau–exploring “the fake cheerfulness of our culture.”

Artists are often compelled by their diverse experiences involving culture, travel, constant study and self-education to offer profound statements reflecting their knowledge and beliefs, whether they are religious, political or social. Depending upon their background and the themes they examine, artists practicing a narrative style tend to create images that are either confrontational or didactic. The late African American art historian Alain Locke wrote about Sober Realism that goes beyond the superficial to explore the deeper truths of life such as social problems. He said, “ Beauty must not be pretty with sentiment, but solid and dignified with truth.”

As a group, the artists represented in Sober Realism strive to make a meaningful connection between their worlds as artists and human beings. In light of recent tragedies and the ongoing threat of terrorism, it is important that art reflecting tough political and social statements reach a sympathetic public. The Brandywine Workshop is grateful for this opportunity to exhibit at the Nathan Cummings foundation and to share with New York City, a place or stage of reality that is forever changing. Collectively, these artists avoid extravagance. They are serious people who like the Nathan Cummings Foundation, are engaged with their communities through the sharing of their resources.

Excerpt form Curator: Allan Edmunds

LEO LIMON "L.A. Greenhouse Premiere" 1990	ARLAN HUANG "Fish Tales I" 1992
JUAN SANCHEZ "Confused Paraside" 1996	BENNY ANDREWS "Amen Corner" 1985