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Photo courtesy of Relevant Communications, LLC
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Alexandre Renoir
Works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir will be shown at Chasen Galleries in Carytown from March 15 to 30 along with paintings by his great-grandson Alexandre Renoir, an artist who continues to work in the Impressionist tradition. Curated by the younger Renoir, the exhibition "Renoir and the Masters: Visions of Impressionism" also includes works of Picasso, Chagall, Miró, Rembrandt and Goya.
Alexandre Renoir is set to visit the gallery from March 28 to 30, and will hold a children's workshop on March 29 from 11 a.m. to noon. The events are free, but reservations are required. In an interview, Renoir tells a story about how Monet used to make fun of his great-grandfather because he refused to use black in any of his paintings; he argued that there was already so much darkness in the world that he did not need to contribute to it. Like his great-grandfather, Alexandre Renoir uses black sparingly in his paintings. He is also known for his wet-on-wet technique, which produces more vibrant contrasts and color by painting over another layer before it dries entirely.
Among Alexandre Renoir's own works on display will be Luncheon of the Boating Party, an interpretation of his great-grandfather's famous painting The Boating Party. Pierre-Auguste Renoir is included in the painting, as is the owner of the Parisian café in which the painting is set.
This will be Alexandre Renoir's first visit to Richmond. When he's on tour, he says that he enjoys meeting new people, who offer a "distinctive flavor" of their area. He also loves sneaking off at some point to find a small nook in pursuit of a "perfect moment." The peace and serenity he finds from each of these nooks is then incorporated into his art. "A perfect moment — something you search for. I collect perfect moments," Renoir says.
For more information, call 204-1048 or visit chasengalleries.com .
