DENNIS ZIEMIENSKI
March 28 – April 9, 2022 Scottsdale Opening Reception | April 7 | 7:00–9:00pm
DENNIS ZIEMIENSKI Under the Sun
Jackson Hole | Scottsdale | AltamiraArt.com
1
Red Shoes Oil on canvas | 30 x 40 inches Enquire
2
3
DENNIS ZIEMIENSKI A ‘46 Chrysler Town and Country Woodie rolls past Saguaro sentinels and a cumulus sky quintessential of Arizona. A cowboy lolls along a similar skyscape, bounded by cacti and clouds. A water skier waves from the spray she’s gleefully carved on the sparkling expanse of Lake Powell. A neon diver, dramatically plunging across a motel’s signpost, delineates with graphic grace the entrance. These vibrant images and more make up the potpourri of vintage-inspired paintings by Dennis Ziemienski.
4
“It’s a sunny group of disparate images,” Ziemienski says, emphasizing the thematic umbrella of the exhibition’s title, Under the Sun. Taken collectively, the compositions channel memories of effortless and ebullient sociability. “Perhaps they remind us of those great times.” Times when a trio of dressed-up damsels could perch on vinyl stools, feet and shoulders bare, and coquettishly attract a bartender’s attention. Times when a couple could spend their vacation poolside, dipping periodically into the glimmering expanse—loving, playful, carefree. Tapping into his former life as an acclaimed illustrator, Ziemienski cultivates telling details in his compositions. A painting centered on a perfectly coiffed sunbather lounging poolside on a striped
chaise intriguingly includes a neighbor wearing ruby slippers. Could this be a Dorothy of the desert? Surrounding himself with reference materials, Ziemienski studies the heroes who have preceded him—Norman Rockwell, J. C. Leyendecker, Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth. “You become so enamored with their compositions, their intelligent brushstrokes, you want to include elements in your lexicon.” Recent research forays have found him fascinated by the watercolor illustrations of Herbert Paus. Thus inspired, he imagines scenes that are simultaneously nostalgic and prescient. “I add tinctures of inspiration into my cauldron, stir it up, and come out with something that is totally me.”
5
Skiing Lake Powell Oil on canvas | 48 x 30 inches Enquire
6
7
Arizona Town & Country Oil on canvas | 60 x 60 inches Enquire
8
9
The Busy Bartender Oil on canvas | 40 x 30 inches Enquire
10
11
Cactus Flame Oil on canvas | 24 x 24 inches Enquire
12
13
Enchanted Trail Oil on canvas | 40 x 60 inches Enquire
14
15
Playful Conversation Oil on canvas | 40 x 40 inches Enquire
16
17
Scenic Drive-In Oil on canvas | 40 x 36 inches Enquire
18
19
Sonoran Superbloom Oil on canvas | 30 x 24 inches Enquire
20
21
Western Motel Oil on canvas | 48 x 36 inches Enquire
22
23
7038 E Main Street | Scottsdale AZ AltamiraArt.com | 480-949-1256
24