Jim Torok, I am Lucky, 2002
Jim Torok : Portraits and Clowns
Jim Torok is known for both his photo realistic, miniature portraits and his narrative storyboard, cartoon-like paintings, both based on acute observation. His portraits are generally of ordinary people he knows—artists, friends, neighbors—and depict the everyday rather than celebrity status. They are small studies of fact and plainness. His cartoon works are simultaneously hilarious and sobering, innocently optimistic and cynical, because they state so plainly what is known but most often left unsaid.
In this exhibition Torok will focus on the portrait, both realistic and cartoon-like abstractions. In Gallery 1 will be a group of Torok's miniature portraits-each no larger than 5 x 4 inches-primarily of his upstate New York neighbors. Gallery 2 will be filled with a new series of cartoon-like clown portraits and text paintings. As clowns often are, these are both comic and sinister. One text painting reads “Life Is OK, Except for the Clowns.” Another reads, “You Are A Vibrant Human Being.” Stylistically, the two groups of paintings could not be more different. The miniature portraits are carefully painted in oil with great detail using extra-fine brushes, whereas the clown portraits are larger and loosely painted in acrylic with brushy strokes of color on panel. The abstraction and loose rendering of the clown paintings links Torok's portrait work with his storyboard panel paintings.
OPENING RECEPTION | Friday, 19 March. 7-9pm
EXHIBITION DATES | 19 March
through 18 April, 2010
LOCATION | PIEROGI 177 North
9th St Bklyn, NY 11211
DIRECTIONS | Take the L train to Bedford Ave. Walk
2 blocks to N 9th St and turn right
HOURS | 11am–6pm, Tuesday through Sunday
