Artist, Will Henry Stevens
Blue Spiral 1 Hosting Tandem Exhibitions in August
Two simultaneous exhibits of works by southern artists Will Henry Stevens (1881–1949) and Maltby Sykes (1911–1992) are currently on view at Blue Spiral 1 in downtown Asheville and will continue through August 26.
Blue Spiral 1 (preceded by New Morning Gallery) has represented the Stevens Estate for more than 30 years. In this new exhibit, 14 of the artist’s works that have not been seen for many years are highlighted in the Small Format Gallery. The majority of Stevens’ paintings in this show are abstract and nonobjective works painted during the last decade of his life.
Josef Albers, a world-renowned, painter, poet, sculptor, and teacher, is credited with organizing the fine arts curriculum at Black Mountain College. It was there he saw an exhibition of Stevens’ pastels, oils, and watercolors. So taken with these pieces, he wrote a letter to Stevens in 1944 in which he said, “I am impressed with your sensitive musicality for color and your ability to handle a multitude of forms…I am sure…many artists could learn from you about color and composition.”
In the adjacent Showcase Gallery is the debut exhibit of works by Mississippi native Maltby Sykes, an innovative printmaker and influential educator. Showcased are several of his original prints, paintings, and works on paper that explore the intrinsic qualities of line and texture.
Artist, Maltby Sykes
Sykes’ extensive travels brought him in contact with many of the most influential artists of his time. In 1936, he worked as an assistant to Diego Rivera for the Hotel Reforma murals in Mexico City. He studied with Ashcan artist John Sloan at the Art Students League, and was in France with Fernand Léger and André Lhote when cubism was evolving into abstract and pop art.
Sykes is widely known for his works on paper, having collaborated with such printmakers as George C. Miller and Stanley William Hayter. His works are in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, Philadelphia Art Museum, and the Chicago Art Institute.
From 1942–1977 (with the exception of a two-year stint in the Air Force during WWII), he taught at Alabama Polytech Institute (now Auburn University). The 2012 film, Maltby Sykes: Gentleman Modernist, accompanies the exhibition at Blue Spiral 1.
Blue Spiral 1, 38 Biltmore Avenue, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For further information, visit bluespiral1.com or call 828.251.0202.
