Richard Lindner - 'Out-of-Towners'
"Out-of-Towners" is an enthralling lithograph created by the esteemed artist Richard Lindner. This artwork captures a captivating moment with meticulous detail and Lindner's unmistakable artistic flair.
In the foreground of the lithograph, a prominent female figure takes center stage, her presence commanding attention. Lindner's expert touch is evident in the intricate and colorful attire that adorns both the female and her male companion, who stands alongside her. Their side profiles suggest an intimacy or connection between the two, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.
As the focal point of the composition, the couple appears to be in the midst of their visit to New York, with the Statue of Liberty providing a distinctive backdrop. Lindner cleverly positions the iconic figure of Lady Liberty on either side of the couple, subtly emphasizing their status as "Out-of-Towners." This juxtaposition conveys a sense of exploration and the excitement of experiencing the vibrant energy of the city.
"Out-of-Towners" not only showcases Lindner's mastery in capturing the essence of the urban experience but also invites viewers to contemplate the personal and cultural significance of such a visit. With its vibrant colors, intricate details, and evocative symbolism, this lithograph serves as a testament to Lindner's ability to create thought-provoking and visually captivating art. Through his unique perspective, Lindner explores the complexities of identity and the dynamics of human connection within the context of a bustling metropolis like New York.
Details:
Artist: Richard Lindner
Title: Out-of-Towners
Date: 1971
Medium: Lithograph on Paper
Edition: From the Rare Limited Hors Commerce Edition
Publisher: Shorewood Publishers Inc. New York
Suite: Fun City
Dimensions: 26 1/2in. by 20 1/4in.
Condition Report: In overall good condition.
Signature and number: In pencil lower right and lower left
About the Artist:
Richard Lindner, the German-American painter, is celebrated for his unique and dynamic artistic contributions. Born in Hamburg, Germany, on November 11, 1901, Lindner's life was a fusion of cultural influences that shaped his distinctive artistic vision. Raised in Nuremberg, he received his early artistic education at the Kunstgewerbeschule (Arts and Crafts School), later known as the Academy of Fine Arts Nuremberg. Lindner's artistic journey took him from Munich to Berlin in 1927, where he immersed himself in the city's vibrant art scene. After a brief return to Munich, the political climate forced him to flee to Paris in 1933. In Paris, Lindner engaged in political activism, connected with French artists, and worked as a commercial artist.With the outbreak of World War II, Lindner was interned and later served in the French Army. In 1941, he emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City, where he worked as an illustrator for books and magazines. This move led to significant connections with prominent figures like Albert Einstein and Marlene Dietrich, culminating in his American citizenship in 1948.
Lindner's dedication to art extended to teaching, as he joined the Pratt Institute in 1952 and later received the William and Norma Copley Foundation-Award in 1957. In 1965, he became a Guest Professor in Hamburg, Germany, and in 1967, he moved to Yale University School of Art and Architecture in New Haven.
Richard Lindner's artistic universe was characterized by its uniqueness, urban energy, and a touch of surreal eroticism. He embarked on his artistic career relatively late, at the age of 40, in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Within this metropolitan jungle, Lindner crafted his body of work—a collection of thrilling and powerful images featuring robot-like figures, amazons, heroines, and self-styled heroes in harlequin attire. His art provided a vivid panorama of the tumultuous 60s and 70s, resonating with the spirit of the era. Lindner's artwork transcends time, leaving an enduring impression. His 1954 painting "Boy With Machine" famously graced the cover-leaf of Gilles Deleuze's "Anti-Oedipus," introducing many readers to Deleuze's later and more accessible philosophy.
Richard Lindner's artistic journey concluded in 1978, but his legacy lives on. He rests in eternal peace at Westchester Hills Cemetery in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Through his captivating and thought-provoking art, Lindner continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of contemporary art.