​ROGER ROTHSTEIN

COLLAGE ON GOLD CANVAS

 

From Footnotes For Revelation a solo exhibition at Topaz Arts December 2009

 

Footnotes For Revelation  is a new series of book cuttings on canvas with gold leaf by visual artist Roger Rothstein. At first glance, the seven large- scale gold canvasses are reminiscent of familiar Renaissance paintings. But at closer look, these spiritual splices are collages made of cuttings from glossy art books and posters in a sense relics of art reproductions. Icons become pattern, skillfully placed with precision by Rothstein who has been described by The New York Times as turning ephemera into precious relics.

 

Footnotes For Revelation presents skillful challenges for both artist and the viewer for Rothstein, working with color, gold leaf, and cutting from glossy, heavy paper from often rare art books and posters, are inherently experimental for him stylistically, taking an academic approach in remaking classical Renaissance imagery.

 

Compositionally, in choosing Renaissance icons whether academic or implying contemporary thought, be it political outrage or personal statement, the work still arrives at classical form, presenting the viewer with iconic images that are seemingly transcendent set in a subversive milieu.

 

 

Written by Paz Tanjuaquio, Co-Founder, Topaz Arts

Originally published for solo exhibition: "Footnotes For Revelation" at Topaz Arts 2009