​ROGER ROTHSTEIN

COLLAGE OB GOLD CANVAS

 

Detail from Novus Ordo Seclorum

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Footnotes For Revelation solo exhibition at Topaz Arts Dec. 2009

 

Footnotes For Revelation is a new series of book cuttings on canvas  with gold leaf by visual artist Roger Rothstein. At first glance, the seven

large-scale gold canvasses are reminiscent of familiar Renaissance paintings. But at closer look, these spiritual splices are collage made of

cuttings from glossy art books and posters in sence relics of art reproductions. Icons became pattern, skillfuly placed with precision by Rothstein

who has been described by The New York Times as turning ephermera into precious relics.

 

Footnotes For Revelation presents skillful challenges for both the artist and the viewer for Rothstein, working with color, gold leaf, and cutting from glossy, heavy paper from often rare  art books and posters, are inherently experimental for him stylistically, taking an academic approach in remaking classical Renaissance imagery.

 

Compositionally, in choosing Renaissance icons whether academic or implying contemporary thought, be it political outrage or personal statement,

the work still arrives at classical form, presenting the viewer with iconic images that are seemingly transcendent set in a subversive milieu.

 

Written by Paz Tanjuaquio, Co-Founder, Topaz Arts

Originally published for solo exhibition: "Footnotes For Revelation" at topaz Arts 2009