In 1971, Philip Pearlstein set forth his definition of realism in an article
he wrote for The New York Times, titled “Why I Paint the Way I
Do”. There, he clearly outlined his distilled definition of realism and
confirmed his voracious appetite for looking: “I get my highs from
using my eyes.” In 2018, his rules have not changed. However, today,
in Pearlstein’s 94th year, his paintings have evolved in their visual
complexity, satisfying his hunger for looking and challenging his skill.
This exhibition celebrates Pearlstein’s recent work, punctuated with
select works from decades past to show his steadfast commitment to
painting exactly what is in front of him—an abstracted realism as he
outlined in 1971.
