On August 19th this extraordinary work by Ingrid Dee Magidson will be auctioned off at the ArtBase’s annual gala benefit. All the proceeds will be used to support the operations of this exceptional local art center. Thousands of budding artists and visitors have been able to appreciate and create art because of the ArtBase’s efforts. Ingrid is proud to offer her support.
Timeless Portraitby Ingrid Dee Magidson, layered Mixed Media, wood, mirrors, acrylic, antique objects and clock, 14 x 10 inches
Each of us sees the world through our own unique colored lenses of experience, emotion and perception. What is real, what is illusion is one of the central premises of Ingrid’s work. Looking through the transparent layers of her art is like looking through the mystery of our own senses, going deeper to the core of what makes us human. Out past experiences make us who we are, layer upon layer, building and coloring our world.
Ingrid’s most recent layered work, “Destiny Leading the Way,” reveals her most exploratory work to date. All surfaces are transparent, the face, sides and even the back. The viewer can literally see into the work from all angles. The subject is only the starting place. We see the Renaissance lady sitting atop a magnificent horse, but there is far more as we move about the work. Layers of fabric, butterflies, clock parts, foils and paint reveal a complex world of discovery. We see the whole AND the parts simultaneously, the small and the large together.
“This is the closest I’ve come yet to a work that floats, ghost-like, like an apparition visiting us from the past. I want the viewer to see the workings of my work, see the elements inside, the parts that make her who she is and consequently look at our own parts, to discover who we are.”
“Destiny Leading the Way” is the first in this experimental series, which Ingrid plans to do as an exhibition in the near future. “This new technique is extremely difficult and time consuming to create, both technically and creatively. Each piece requires considering the view, from not only the front, but from all angles. I love challenging myself.”
I think we can agree, Ingrid has once again outdone herself.
“Destiny Leading the Way” is on display at the new Master’s Gallery in the Cherry Creek area of Denver.
Virtual Reality has some kinks to be worked out, while Twitter, Facebook, Digital Art and Flash Mobs are here now. They quickly pique our interest, but are gone as quickly, replaced by the next post, video or event. Our world has become a fast moving assault of images, opinions and ideas. We react quickly, often with extreme passion, only to move on to the next event or visual crisis within minutes or even seconds.
“Emergence,” Acrylic, resin and objects on canvas by Ingrid Dee Magidson
This is completely new and alien to the human condition. Is this good for us? Time will have to decide. But what it does do, is help us appreciate the few permanent things in our life. We take vacations at a tropical beach precisely because it is difficult to be reached by phone or Internet. We want time to not only decompress, but allow our minds to rest from the barrage of images.
Art Can be That Permanence We so Desperately Seek
When you collect a beloved work of art and hang it on your wall (or visit a work at a museum), there is a relationship that occurs. It is deeply personal. You don’t need to explain it unless you want to. You can simply be with your experience. It is rare and extraordinarily human.
Mankind has Created Art for Thousands of Years
Chauvet Cave Painting
Human beings have created art far longer than recorded history. We have some beautiful examples preserved in caves in France and Spain dating back as far as 40,000 years. It is likely it goes back even further, just that the art hasn’t survived. We know why in the deepest essence of our beings. Art is the language of conceptualization. A single look and we take in a whole world of ideas that crosses the boundaries of time and space. Twenty-first Century man, with all his electronic gadgets, can absolutely connect with his non-technical or “primitive” counterpart 40,000 years ago. All he has to do is look.
We are Hungry for Something to Linger Over
“Primitive” Acrylic and Resin on Canvas by Ingrid Dee Magidson
Modern society in its weird and anti-human way discourages this experience. We are expected to move on from image to image like hyperactive children, while deep in our psyche we crave the peaceful interaction of a single object to linger over. The solution is to find a work of art you love, pull up a chair and contemplate infinity in its depth. Think of it as a vacation for the spirit.
Ingrid’s work at her upcoming show in Vail will mostly feature her newest abstract work. It may seem like a departure, but it is actually the work within the work that is being exposed. Each layered piece begins with an abstract painting; the figurative construction grows from that point outwards.
Blue, acrylic and resin on canvas
Recently, she set one of the abstract works aside and carefully considered it, lived with it. It was too good to hide, so she decided to keep it that way and start again with another background. Before long, Ingrid had several abstract works. Though they are very different from the layered works, they are also very similar in mood and composition. Complex and hauntingly beautiful, they are a natural expression to her artistic style.
Zen, Acrylic and resin on canvas
The exhibition in Vail will present her newest works, both abstract and transparent layers. To see them together is a rare opportunity and a fascinating look inside the artistic process. It is well worth a visit. The exhibition opens this Thursday, December 29th at Galerie Zuger, Vail. Ingrid will be at the drop-in reception from 11 – 7. Stop by if you are in the area, and Happy New Year.
Tranquility, Acrylic and resin on canvas 48 x 78
Galerie Zuger, is in central Vail on the main floor of the Solaris Building next to Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant (overlooking the ice-skating rink) at 141 East Meadow Drive, www.galeriezugervail.com 970.476.5619
It’s winter in Colorado, skiing, snow and sitting by the fire. Wait, you’ve done that. How about seeing the extraordinary new work of Ingrid Dee Magidson in Vail, Colorado. Opening on December 28th and 29th, 2015, Ingrid’s new work will be featured with a one-woman exhibition at the beautiful Galerie Zuger in the Solaris Building in Vail. Once again, Ingrid has stretched the bounds of creativity with her new work, experimenting with materials and subjects. Just beautiful.
Belair Fine Art will be opening their 15th art gallery next year in Venice, Italy. Right, you guessed it, they will be showing Ingrid’s work there too. Amazing city, amazing gallery, and amazing art. Thank you Belair Fine Art!
The Artist Dreams is an unusual piece in many ways. First it is by artist, Ingrid Dee Magidson, which by definition makes it unique. But even within that broad category of the different, The Artist Dreams pushes new boundaries.
The Artist Dreams,2013
About two years ago, Ingrid’s son found the remains of a deer near their home. A mountain lion had killed the poor creature, and other animals had eaten what it had left behind. When Ingrid’s son found it, only part of the spine remained. Knowing how his mother likes certain objects, he brought it home. Ingrid cleaned and preserved the bones and put it aside for just the right piece.
A year later, the right piece was ready for the spine – The Artist Dreams. It is a surrealist work representing the illusory nature of time, how living things are at once so fragile and strong; living only a few years, but leaving behind bones that could last centuries, millennia or even eons. The work is also unique in that it incorporates mirrors on both sides of the spine. The viewer is able to see the front and sides of the spine simultaneously. It was a technically difficult piece that came out spectacularly.
Dr. Carolyn Farb with The Artist Dreams
The Artist Dreams was debuted at the Aspen Art Fair in August 2013. The Unix Gallery out of New York City exhibited this and other of Ingrid’s work. There were several interested collectors, but the piece did not sell until it was exhibited in Houston later that month. Well known art collector and philanthropist, Dr. Carolyn Farb saw the work and immediately fell in love with it. She purchased it and hung it prominently in her Houston home. She compares it to work by one of her other favorite artists: Frida Kahlo.
And we come full circle to the 2014 Aspen Art Fair, which opens July 31st at the Ice Gardens in Aspen. Unix Gallery will once again be showing Ingrid’s newest work. Work that is unique, challenging and always beautiful.
Aspen Art Fair
July 31-Aug 3, 2014
Aspen Ice Gardens
233 W Hyman Ave.
Aspen, CO 81611 www.Art-Aspen.com
It has been almost a week since Ingrid and I returned from Miami. It is snowing right now and the warmth of Florida seems far away. What an amazing trip that was. Let me share a little with you.
Leslie Pathman and Ingrid Magidson
Andi Potampkin and Madison Pathman
Ingrid Reception in Miami
Ingrid Reception in MiamiIngrid Reception in Miami
Ingrid Reception in Miami
Ingrid Reception in MiamiIngrid Reception in Miami
We arrived late Monday afternoon at our friend’s, the Pathman’s magnificent home in Miami Beach. The art arrived about an hour after us. The Pathman’s were hosting a reception for Ingrid’s work the following evening. We didn’t know what to expect. It was “Art Week” in Miami, an insane number of art fairs and shows swarm the city, thousands of galleries, artists showing their work. Would Ingrid’s private show get overlooked in the plethora of choices? On Tuesday evening, the show was hung and the first guests began to arrive. Before we knew it, our host’s spacious home was filled with art lovers, well over 120 we were told the next day. We were too busy to count. Past collectors and viewers seeing Ingrid’s work for the first time shared their mutual enthusiasm for her art. It was a glorious evening we wont soon forget. Thank you Wayne and Leslie.
Jay and Ingrid at Art Basel, Miami
Art Basel in Miami
But the week had only begun. The next evening we went to the grand vernisage (reception) for Art Basel. This is the art fair that Miami is known for, and brings many of the world’s best galleries to Florida. It is a who’s who of art and collectors at the Miami Convention Center. The art is, well, let’s say just say very challenging sometimes. Some galleries bring traditional masterpieces from the Twentieth Century, but the majority bring cutting edge contemporary. It is clearly not for every taste, but it is pretty exciting to see such enormous creative spirit. If you are an art lover, go to Miami during “Art Week” you are sure to be inspired.
Jay & Ingrid at Art Miami at the Unix Fine Art Booth
Daniela & Alex Cesaria Owners of Unix Fine Art, Art Miami
We had been discussing representation with Unix, Fine Art, a Miami gallery before we arrived. Ingrid met with the gallery owners on Thursday evening. They were exhibiting at Art Miami and took time out of their crazy schedule to see Ingrid’s work. Of course they fell in love with Ingrid’s work and insisted on showing it as soon as possible. In fact the next morning, they had a truck arrive and pick up several of Ingrid’s works. One went immediately into their booth at Art Miami. Very exciting. Art Miami has grown to become one of the most important fairs in Miami. In some critics’ opinions, on par with Art Basel. In any case, Ingrid’s works were now in front of tens of thousands of art lovers. Thank you Alex and Daniela, the owners of Unix Fine Art.
Unix Fine Art Gallery, Miami, December 8, 2012
Unix Fine Art, Miami
Ingrid’s work at Unix Fine Art, Miami
Ingrid’s Work at Unix Fine Art, Miami
Ingrid’s Work at Unix Fine Art, Miami
Unix Fine Art, Miami
Ingrid’s Work at Unix Fine Art, Miami
Unix Fine Art, Miami
Ingrid’s Work at Unix Fine Art, Miami
Ingrid’s Work at Unix Fine Art, Miami
Now that would have been enough for the week, but we weren’t done yet. Coincidentally, the Wynwood Art District’s monthly art walk fell on that Saturday. Unix Fine Art Gallery is in the Wynwood Art District. They dedicated almost half of their expansive gallery to Ingrid’s work. I’ve been to art walks in several cities, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Some estimates are that 30,000 people fill the area. I was there and would say that might be a low estimate. It was nuts. Miami loves a party, and clearly art too.
Wynwood Art Walk, Miami
Wynwood Art Walk, Miami
Wynwood Art Walk, Miami
Wynwood Art Walk, Miami
Wynwood Art Walk, Miami
Wynwood Art Walk, Miami
Well, finally we headed home after a wonderful week in Miami. Our hosts treated us like royalty. Unix gallery treated Ingrid’s work like treasure. We made some new friends and will remember the week in Miami with a tropical warmth. Thank you Wayne and Leslie, Alex and Daniela for a terrific week!
Ingrid recently completed this exceptional work entitled, The Traveler. It is quite beautiful and deserves a closer look.
“The Traveler” by Ingrid Dee Magidson
The subject is from a 17th Century portrait of a young boy who would later grow up to be king. Innocence pervades this young monarch as he looks to the future. Ingrid wanted to bring him back to our time in her art, so she placed the world within his reach – all the various modes of transportation, maps, a compass and other objects for his journey. Below you can see a detail of the map and compass. These are actual objects in the art and give us a clue as to the actual depth of the piece (almost 4 inches). Photography tends to flatten Ingrid’s work and unless you can see the work in person it is difficult to understand this important aspect of her technique.
The Traveler by Ingrid Dee Magidson – Detail
Moving to the bottom of the piece, we see a detail of the prince’s hand laying on his helmet, which gives us a different understanding of “The Traveler.” Perhaps you noticed the toy car on the prince’s his belt. It symbolizes his link to his childhood even as he is busy becoming a king, reaching into his own future. Music penetrates the boy’s hand, one could even say his hand is made of musical notes. As in so many of Ingrid’s works, this signifies the importance of culture and beauty.
The Traveler by Ingrid Dee Magidson – Detail
Next we come to a close up of the prince’s face. We are immediately captivated by his eyes, a young man’s eyes looking out to the voyages ahead, maybe even through time to us. Resting at the outermost layer, they signify a reach beyond his own world. Deeper and below this, we see lines of latitude and longitude, symbols of travel, reminders of those voyages already taken and those to come. Beyond the boy’s face we see layers of music and maps, wisps of clouds, symbolizing life itself, potential, and the unknown.
The Traveler by Ingrid Dee Magidson – Detail
“The Traveler” by Ingrid Dee Magidson, 31 x 25 inches and approximately 4 inches deep. Thank you for taking a closer look.
We returned from New York City a few days ago. Our hearts go out to all the people of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut who are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. For the most part Manhattan looked pretty good (excluding some of the southern part). New Yorkers are a hearty bunch and they got things up and running very quickly. We visited our dear friend Eva Cellini in New Jersey and that was another story. Trees and light poles littered the streets. The damage took one’s breath away. It is obviously much better now, but we certainly offer those still suffering our thoughts and prayers.
Saturday, November 10th the Hermitage Museum Foundation threw its annual gala to support the Hermitage Museum and specifically the “Art From America” program. Jeff Koons and Erik Bulatov were this year’s honorees. Both spoke eloquently about their art and inspirations. Two great artists from different cultures, with more in common as artists than not. Truly inspiring.
Ingrid and “Reflection” at the Hermitage Benefit
After the dinner and speakers the auction began. OK, I’ll admit it now, Ingrid and I were nervous. Her piece was the first to be auctioned off. We held our breaths as the bidding began. This was an $18,000 piece and the bidding began at $2,000. It bounced around, $4,000, $6,000, then stalled at $8,000. OK, somebody’s going to get a great bargain, we thought. Then a collector jumped in at $10,000 and the bidding stopped. The auctioneer was about to slam the hammer down when… I’m not going to tell you. You are going to have to see for yourself. I posted the video of the auction on YouTube. Forgive the poor quality, it was taken using my iPhone.
The video only shows the auctioning of Ingrid’s piece. The rest of the evening was terrific and I’ve heard report that they raised quite a bit of money from the sale of works by Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Michal Rovner and Martin Mull. It is also gratifying to know that a portion of the money raised will go to help relief efforts for hurricane victims – nice touch.
Ingrid and I would like to thank the many people who put on this elegant and important event: the generous board members of the Hermitage Museum Foundation, especially Paul and Chauncie Rodzianko and their daughter Marina, Mark Kelner. Thank you staff and associates of the Hermitage Museum Foundation, especially Annie. Thank you Phillips de Pury Auctioneers for the beautiful setting surrounded by great contemporary art. And thank you Simon de Pury for your auction wizardry. A very special thanks goes to Brad and Penny Place, our dear friends and patrons who helped make the evening possible for us.
The Art of Ingrid Dee Magidson 