Whitney Modern is pleased to announce "Confluence," a solo exhibition featuring the latest works by the esteemed artist John Maxon. For decades, John Maxon has enchanted audiences with his evocative paintings that delve into the soul of California's landscapes - the tranquil vistas of the Salinas and Napa Valleys, Watsonville farmlands, and our inland waters. In these latest works, we see Maxon’s connection to California figurative movement of the 1960s and 70s and indeed he was well acquainted with these early contemporaries. After some time away, in "Confluence", Maxon revisits the figurative in his compositions. Families and individuals in moments of leisure and community show up amidst nature's embrace.
As an intuitive colorist, Maxon masterfully balances wildness with harmony and each canvas is a voyage through personal and collective experiences, translated through vibrant hues, dynamic compositions, and subtle signifiers.The exhibition's title, "Confluence," encapsulates the thematic essence of the collection, symbolizing not only the physical gathering of figures within his paintings but also the merging of diverse landscape elements.
The exhibition will open with a reception on July 11th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, coinciding with Los Gatos town's first Gatos Open Late Downtown (GOLD) evening community event of the summer season, featuring bands, special promotions from local shops and restaurants.
About John Maxon
John Maxon spent his youthful days painting seriously in the fields behind Stanford University, where he was fortunate to be exposed to and study the works of Nathan Oliveira, Wayne Thiebaud, and David Park. He attended San Jose State University and apprenticed with Sam Richardson and John Battenberg, primarily learning sculpture techniques. It was during this period that he first witnessed the actual workings of the art world. The great artists, the school of painting, and the Bay Area Figurative movement happening in the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 60s and early 70s were strong influences on Maxon, and his work began to reflect the style and perceptions of this period. Today, Maxon lives and works in Santa Cruz County.
