2 minute read
Roaring art Lions
By Gail Smith and Estelle Price, 2024 Lion of Judah Co-chairs
Docent and Lion of Judah Society member Ellaine Rosen treated 26 Lion members to an engrossing lecture about renowned artist Victor Vasarely at the Naples Art Institute on Jan. 24. The “grandfather” and leader of the Op Art movement, Vasarely’s artistic works utilize geometric shapes, colorful graphics and an illusion of spatial depth. Known for his hallmark checkerboard paintings in the ’70s and ’80s, he was born in Pécs, Hungary in 1906. He died in Paris in 1997.
An engrossing lecturer with great knowledge of art, Rosen detailed Vasarely’s famous creations, explaining that he believed in democratization of art by supporting broad distribution of his works. He felt strongly that the masses, not just the wealthy, should enjoy and own pieces of fine art. The broad reproduction of his prolific collection prompted many famous artists to produce silk screenings, lithographs, and the like.
In her lectures, Rosen always attempts to point out the Jewishness of an artist and their famous associates. She emphasizes their life struggles and interesting family history, which the Lions find quite fascinating.
In addition to the lecture, the ladies enjoyed a delightful lunch at Vergina on Fifth Avenue, where they welcomed new Lions to the pride and shared a harmonious time visiting with good friends.
If any of our Naples Lions were not present to hear them ROAR, come join our pride of Lions for brunch at Royal Poinciana Golf Club on Sunday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. Invitations will be coming out soon.
Roaring for you…
