In the Galleries: Heroes, Villains, Myths, Legends at Rehs Contemporary Galleries, NYC

Elena Green
The Eye of the Day
16 X 22 inches
charcoal and pastel on paper

As a sequel to last year's successful show, The BIG Gamble, Rehs Contemporary Galleries in New York City is hosting a new exhibit of works by instructors, apprentices, students, and alumni of the Ani Academies. This new show, Heroes, Villains, Myths, Legends, comprises more than 60 works of imaginative, realist art by 58 artists. As the motif of the show lends itself to the current – or rather, perennial – universal love of fantasy and science fiction, it is the perfect vehicle for presenting the iconography for which the Ani Academies are known. From the Lone Ranger to Spider-Man, Ghost Rider to the Sandman, Darth Vader to the family dog, and Jason Voorhees to Mary Magdalene, each artist has brought their unique perspective on heroes and scoundrels to life in tightly-rendered detail.

From the gallery press release:

Realism has been overpowered by pop and abstract art for some time and we’re at a point where many are left thinking, “Where is the talent?” How many times do we have to walk out of a contemporary art exhibit and say to ourselves, “Well… a 5 year old could have done that!” It is time that Realism steps out of the shadows of the art world and takes its place in the spotlight, where truly talented and devoted artists are appreciated for their refined skill and dedication. The rigorous training at the Ani Art Academies develops artists who create “shock-value,” but in a very different way than most contemporary artists do. With shockingly precise and realistic charcoals and oil paintings, these young artists will make you rethink your views on the art world of today as they present works inspired by characters and stories they love. Take a journey with the Ani instructors, apprentices, students and alumni into another world, a world of Heroes, Villains, Myths & Legends.

Heroes, Villains, Myths, Legends opened on March 15th and will remain on view through April 11th. Rehs Contemporary Galleries, Inc. is located on the 8th floor of 5 East 57th Street in Manhattan. It is open during this show Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

For more information on the show, or to see additional images, please visit www.rehscgi.com, or call 212.355.5710. To learn more about the Ani Art Academies, please visit www.aniwaichulis.com or www.aniartacademies.org.