NJN videographer Aubrey J. Kauffman shoots artist Will Barnet at work
In October, I went with my NJN crew (videographer Aubrey Kauffman and sound recordist Jeff Reisly) to the studio of artist Will Barnet. As a producer for State of the Arts since 1988, I’ve been to many, many artists’ studios and they are always unique and interesting. This one, however, will stand out in my memory.
Will Barnet at work on a painting for the Montclair Art Museum
Will Barnet will be 100 years old this spring, yet his art is vibrant, his production constant, and his eye is fresh. He’s been a serious artist since the 1930s, when he first arrived in New York City to study at the Art Students League. (For more on his career, check out this recent NY Times article.) Known for a psychological style of realism, Barnet has also painted abstractly – and that’s what he’s doing now. In his studio are stacks of recent canvases, many still in process. When moving between paintings, he saves his subtle yet intense colors in wax paper for later. Some of these recent works will be exhibited at the Montclair Art Museum from February 4 through July 17, 2011. They’re related to his Indian Space work of the 1950s, paintings which approached abstraction in a way that made sense for Barnet. As the Montclair Museum of Art describes it, the canvases integrate “organic and geometric pictograph forms within a flat, seamless space.”
Will Barnet welcomed me, Aubrey, and Jeff into the 2 story studio/apartment in the National Arts Club where he’s lived and worked for about 30 years. When asked a question, he talked at length – clearly and with great thought. He agreed to work on a painting for the camera, and actually seemed to forget that we were there. It’s clear that he loves to make art and that he’s still making discoveries. I won’t forget meeting him.
My story on Will Barnet will air on the November 18th episode of State of the Arts; it will be available online as well soon after the 18th.
