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Buhmann on Art

Ridley Howard: “Rockaway” (2014). Oil on linen | 55 x 45 in (139.7 x 114.3 cm).   Photo: Jeffrey Sturges, New York (courtesy the artist and Koenig & Clinton, New York)
Ridley Howard: “Rockaway” (2014). Oil on linen | 55 x 45 in (139.7 x 114.3 cm). Photo: Jeffrey Sturges, New York (courtesy the artist and Koenig & Clinton, New York)

BY STEPHANIE BUHMANN  (stephaniebuhmann.com)

RIDLEY HOWARD: CITY WAVES
At first glance, Ridley Howard’s stunning paintings can be described as a witty mash-up of abstraction and figuration. Here, figures are embedded and framed by fields of abstract shapes and solid color.

Ridley Howard: “Grand Avenue Kiss” (2014). Oil on linen | 50 x 40 in (127 x 101.6 cm).   Photo: Jeffrey Sturges, New York (courtesy the artist and Koenig & Clinton, New York)
Ridley Howard: “Grand Avenue Kiss” (2014). Oil on linen | 50 x 40 in (127 x 101.6 cm). Photo: Jeffrey Sturges, New York (courtesy the artist and Koenig & Clinton, New York)

The scope of this particular body of work is extensive, addressing classical figuration, futurism and Bauhaus-inspired abstraction. His paintings are characterized by a slick (and yet creamy) finish that displays a sense of cool restraint. Nevertheless, compared to the pop-art depictions of figurative scenes by Tom Wesselmann, Howard does not deny a personal engagement with his subject matter. His depictions of people, architectural spaces and landscapes might be simplified — but they are also infused with a sense of warmth, compassion and humor. These works might incorporate elements from vastly different genres, such as pop art, high renaissance, neo-classicism and abstraction, but they are also very much rooted in our time.

Ridley Howard: “Rooftops” (2014). Oil on linen | 30 x 36 in (76.2 x 91.4 cm).   Photo: Jeffrey Sturges, New York (courtesy the artist and Koenig & Clinton, New York)
Ridley Howard: “Rooftops” (2014). Oil on linen | 30 x 36 in (76.2 x 91.4 cm). Photo: Jeffrey Sturges, New York (courtesy the artist and Koenig & Clinton, New York)

Toying with the conundrum of monumentality versus stillness, Howard experiments with how the elemental forces of painting, color, shape and design align to make up an image rich in emotional resonance. By pushing his work to a larger scale, he now offers us more room to contemplate his unique perception.

Through Dec. 13, at Koenig & Clinton (459 W. 19th St., at 10th Ave.). Hours: Tues.–Sat., 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Call 212-334-9255 or visit  koenigandclinton.com.