Mixed Media Quest for the New: Modernism in the Southwest at LewAllen Galleries

A unique American modernist vision — not moored to the European modern art being promoted on the East Coast in the early 20th century — was the concern of many of the artists who were drawn to the Southwest. Artists such as Paul Lantz, Gene Kloss, Andrew Dasburg, Sheldon Parsons, and many others were attracted to the wide open spaces, majestic beauty, and dramatic landscapes of New Mexico and surrounding areas, as well as to the indigenous and Spanish cultures and traditional art forms of the region. New Mexico became a crossroads for modernist artists. Some were impacted by a strong sense of place, people, and spiritual concerns. Others were also dazzled by the distinctive colors of the desert and mountain vistas and skies, the unique geometry of the regional architecture, and the rich and fascinating history of the land. Artists came to mingle with art patron Mabel Dodge Luhan, mixing with other artists, writers, and photographers at her home in Taos. Many stayed, building homes of their own and establishing art colonies in the state, notably in Taos and Santa Fe. LewAllen Galleries honors this legacy in Quest for the New: Modernism

opening with a 5 p.m. reception on Friday, Jan. 26. The show includes works by Willard Nash, Fremont Ellis, Raymond Jonson, William Lumpkins, Cady Wells, and others. Quest for the New: Modernism

remains on view through March 17. The gallery is at 1613 Paseo de Peralta. Call LewAllen at 505-988-3250 for information.

— Michael Abatemarco