[Photo credit: American Legacy Fine Arts]
Opening on Friday, October 18, and running through Saturday, November 16, 2024, this exhibition showcases more than 20 new works by Jove Wang, offering a nuanced exploration of the tensions between tradition and innovation that define contemporary American art.
Founded in 2003 by Elaine Adams, wife of renowned artist Peter Adams, ALFA has become a sanctuary for traditional art forms in painting and sculpture. The gallery’s commitment to featuring quality contemporary-traditional and historic American art, including California Art, has made it a haven for artists and art enthusiasts who share a profound appreciation for exceptional art.
Wang’s work, deeply rooted in the artist’s formative years on the Mongolian steppes, provides a compelling lens through which to examine the enduring myth of the American West and its place in our collective imagination. His sweeping landscapes and dynamic figures, rendered with bold brushstrokes and a vivid palette, speak to the power of personal history and cultural memory in shaping our perception of place.
Elaine Adams, the gallery director, notes that Wang’s work “bridges two worlds,” a theme that resonates throughout the exhibition. She comments, “Jove Wang’s ‘Spirit of the American West’ is more than an exhibition; it is a bridge between two worlds, illustrating how the artist’s early life experiences on the Mongolian steppes of Jilin, China, have shaped his perception and artistic interpretation of his current life in the American West.”
Adams continues, “His paintings invite viewers to appreciate the beauty and majesty of these landscapes while reflecting on the shared human experiences that connect diverse cultures and geographies. Through this exhibition, Wang not only honors his past but also enriches our understanding of the intricate ties between land, culture, and identity.”
Wang’s childhood in the vast, open steppes of Inner Mongolia instilled in him a deep appreciation for expansive landscapes and the rugged beauty of untamed nature. These formative years spent amidst rolling plains, grazing livestock, and the tribal nomadic lifestyle profoundly influenced his artistic vision. The simplicity and grandeur of the Inner Mongolian environment, along with their renowned horse culture, also known as “Mongolian Cowboys,” are mirrored in Wang’s dynamic compositions of life in the American West.
The exhibition will be viewable by appointment Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ALFA is located in a tranquil neighborhood of Pasadena, California. For the gallery’s exact address, interested parties are encouraged to contact the gallery at (626) 577-7733 or email at info@americanlegacyfinearts.com.
