Ken Davies & Robert Zappalorti - Something Old & Something New     Oct 17 - Oct 31, 2009

Something Old & Something New celebrates the lives and accomplishments of two generations of artists—Ken Davies and his former student, Robert Zappalorti. Their subject matters may be similar but each artist has a distinct voice and approach to their work. The viewer is drawn nostalgically to Davies’ paintings; his work has a feeling of antiquity, derived mainly through his use of antique objects as well as his Old Master style of Realism. In contrast, Zappalorti’s careful constructions employ vivid colors and striking clean lines for a feeling of crisp modernity. The exhibition will also showcase never before offered works from Ken Davies’ personal collection. This is a rare and momentous opportunity to see Ken’s vintage works, some of which were painted while he attended the Yale School of Fine Art. These student and early works will be displayed along-side his most recent trompe l’oeil and still lifes.

A scrupulous painter, each of Zappalorti’s works are exactingly crafted. The thoughtful and time consuming arrangements give way to meticulously rendered compositions, bursting with color and clarity. A painstaking process, his commitment to perfection limits the number of paintings Robert can produce in a year. The overall quality and each work makes them worth the wait and we are most excited to debut five new paintings in this exhibition. As the Director of Fine Arts at Paier College, where Ken Davies is a Dean Emeritus, Robert is continuing the prestigious tradition set by his former teacher—imparting his skills and knowledge on to the next generation of artists.

The exhibition also celebrates the publication of Ken Davies’s monograph Ken Davies: American Realist. A provocative look at his career, Ken gives personal insights about his paintings and his life as an artist. With over 200 images and accompanying text, we are given a privileged peek inside the mind of a modern master.