GLENN DEAN “ACROSS THE DIVIDE” Solo Exhibition

SEPTEMBER 5, 2020

info@MaxwellAlexanderGallery.com or 213-275-1060

Glenn Dean, a California Native, spent many years living in what many would consider, the more traditional “West.”  A good chunk of that time was spent in New Mexico.  He spent years traveling throughout the state and painting on location.  The experience has shaped his paintings ever since.  For his latest exhibition, Across the Divide, Dean revisited New Mexico and through local friends was introduced to a few Taos Pueblo Natives who agreed to be painted.  “The Native and Pueblo culture of Taos is beautiful.  I’m inspired by those cultures that long carry the spirit of the West within its traditions and its people,” states Dean.  

The Pueblo and its inhabitants have been painted for the last hundred years or so, but Dean is able to successfully create his own vision.  The paintings feature a unique approach and at first glance they are not mistaken for any other artist, but Dean.  That may sound odd, but creating new compositions of a classic subject takes the eye and creativity of a master artist.  Dean achieves this almost effortlessly, or so it appears that way to the outside viewer.  Perhaps it is because of the seriousness that the artist took when painting the Natives of New Mexico, was he able to present such a heartfelt representation of their spirit. “I feel grateful to have been given an opportunity to paint Native subjects…they deserve to be approached with great reverence and respect, both as a people and as a subject for art,” says Dean

Across the Divide features the biggest group of large scale figurative paintings Dean has shown to date.  The artist states the show title has to do with physically journeying through the landscape, transcending boundaries and barriers. “It also implies a spiritual transcending which can occur simultaneously while being on a physical journey through the great open spaces of the West,” states Dean.  

Other works in the show feature classic Dean elements including cowboys and cowgirls on horseback through the West.  Dean’s ability to convey the landscape and express the openness of the West, makes each painting feel like you’re on horseback just outside of view, riding along with your friends of a different era.  One of the most impressive pieces of the exhibition features a 50”x50” Cowpuncher riding down a hill.  The painting showcases great juxtaposition of a bright blue sky with clouds and the red dirt of the desert.   The horse is in action, with dust flying up and sun peering down on the subjects, while the cowboy casually rides with confidence.  Across the Divide, spans from Native Americans to cowgirls and cowboys, to showcasing all our favorite subject of the West, the landscape.  It is a wildly powerful group of paintings that we are all lucky to be able to experience.  

Across the Divide opens on September 5th online, due to safety regulations there will not be a public opening. info@MaxwellAlexanderGallery.com or 213-275-1060