4 minute read
Don Hershman
25AThe Finale of Artist Don Hershman’s
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By Lillian Langtry
Artist Don Hershman celebrated the finale of his latest collection of original pieces, as part of a retrospective series inspired by the late Victor Arimondi. In the show, Donald and Victor: Under The Influence, the inventive artist embodied his visceral need to pursue interests and creative expressions as he paid a loving tribute to his former partner who succumbed to AIDS in 2001. Hershman’s paintings recognize the unique attributes of Arimondi’s work, featuring a display that is compassionate and reflective of our modern times. A feature film chronicling Don & Victor’s relationship, with a screenplay written by Don, is titled SHOOT ME BEAUTIFUL and is currently in preproduction. George Rush serves as executive producer.
Shortly after the opening reception, back in May, there was also a successful Art Talk with guest speaker Adam Stoltman, a former New York Times and Time, Inc., photo editor, who was in conversation with Hershman and shared remarks on the legacy of Arimondi’s work.
Arimondi was a famed Italian American model and art photographer whose unique eye and sensuous style captivated the world. At the time of his death, Hershman inherited his estate, including his vast collection of photography and art, as well as never before seen portraits by Arimondi of Andy Warhol superstar Ivy Nicholson.
“During our 17 years together Victor steadfastly guided and molded me, and after his sudden death in 2001 I became solidly dedicated to my art, his presence more powerful than ever - a driving force to create something that is no longer a choice for me, but a necessity,” says Hershman. “The show at the Salomon Gallery brought my and Victor’s work full circle with 20 new selected paintings from 2019 to 2021, along with a carefully curated selection of 38 photographs, taken between 1972 and 2001, four of which I interpreted into my own paintings, called the D & V Series.”
Ivy Nicholson
The exhibit served as a love letter to a luminary who graced the pages of fashion magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire, and appeared on the runway for many top designers, predominantly Valentino and Cerruti. Arimondi’s determination to turn the camera lens from his face onto the world he saw before him led to famously shooting the likes of Grace Jones, Liv Ullman, and Norman Mailer, as well as several portraits of male nudes captured during the pre-AIDS culture of the early 1980s.
He also notably focused imagery of the plight of the homeless of San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood suffering during the height of the AIDS epidemic. In his words, “Since I posed in front of the camera for so many years, my experience with talented photographers made me realize a way to express my inner world.” PHOTO CREDITS: Don Hershman ©Don Hershman Ivy Nicholson by Victor Arimondi Photo by Victor Arimondi, Painting by Don Hershman Victor Arimondi ©Don Hershman
25A Artist and Designer Walter Sternlieb’s Modern 3-Dimensional Paintings Come To Life at ‘A is for Art’ in Southampton
By Ann Grenier
Southampton is now home to A is for Art. Modern American artist and designer, Walter Sternlieb, has opened the Hampton’s hottest new gallery, and it is part of the village’s strong legacy with backing of curated collaborations in the community.
Located at 60 Jobs Lane, A is for Art brings to life the prolific vision of Walter, who is known out east as a respected designer, builder, woodworker, and master craftsman. Now his latest title as industrial artist will only further plant his applaudable achievements.
His charismatic work on display was brought forth by ingenuity and creativity. so large it took up all of his wall space in his home where he displayed pieces. The colorful collection impressed visiting friends and fans and eventually led to thoughts of opening up a gallery to showcase his work.
“I knew there was a run-down property on Jobs Lane. I called the landlord and decided to rent it,” he goes on about the inspiration to open his own place. “The interior was very run down, and I thought I could have a shabby-chic art gallery, but shabby chic just isn’t me, so we went in and cleaned it up a little bit. We started hanging my work, and work of some of my friends. In a very short period, I was getting a very good response to my work.”
Walter’s expressive 3-dimensional paintings encompass powerful expressions full of rich color and bold design. The bright shapes are pops of color that bring bliss to anyone who uses them as part of the design of a home or office space. history that many can relate to and why his artwork stands out as a popular choice to art collectors.
“As a child, my parents dragged me to museums, and historic sites. I didn’t understand the purpose of all of it. I was very fortunate that they took me to all these places. It helped me in what I do today. All the things that I saw, and I have done in the past, have made me what I am today.”
For more information, please call (516) 3561191 or visit the gallery in Southampton at 60 Jobs Lane. aisforart.us
LOCATION: A is for Art 60 Jobs Lane Southampton, New York 11968
“I woke up one morning with this idea of a 3-dimensional flag, made a prototype of it, then built it, painted it and hung it,” states Walter.
The specific vision of the then novice artist led to a series that includes his iconic pieces “The Staircase,” and “5 Hearts.” Eventually he established a professional portfolio that was
