DIEBENKORN AT SONOMA VALLEY MUSEUM OF ART

By Simon Blattner

The Intimate Diebenkorn, which opened to the public at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art on Saturday June 6 and runs through August 23, is an exhibition that should draw local and Bay Area art junkies to the museum throughout its entire run.  Curated by the esteemed, local and heavily collected artist Chester Arnold for the Diebenkorn Foundation, the exhibition contains over 50 works of art on paper and ranges throughout his entire career including early and late abstractions, drawings, collages, watercolors, and gouaches.  The exhibit illustrates the exceptional range and evolution of the artist. 

Much of this work was displayed several years ago at the College of Marin where Arnold has taught for over 20 years. Mr. Arnold told me that while all people associated with the art world know of Diebenkorn, most have never seen his work.  This is a wonderful opportunity to discover a world famous artist in our own local cultural treasure.

I have been a fan of Diebenkorn for over thirty years, and I was amazed by the variety of styles, sketches, and drawings that are presented in this show.  Many of the artist’s most famous pieces are large and distinctive.  The smaller pieces here are sketches, figurative work, and drawings, many of which led to the larger pieces but stand on their own.  By the time you leave the show you will never fail to recognize the distinctive work of this renowned artist again.  Simple, unique and approachable, this body of work captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. 

Above all, for the viewer this is an understandable and easy to walk through exhibition.  As always, the museum looks professional, respects the range of work and the space allows the art to be intellectual and personable at the same time.  It is our good fortune to have Chester Arnold in our community.  He is the consummate artist and curator and his choices shine in this space. 

Chester Arnold reported on assembling the exhibit, “I was constantly reminded of the urgency and vitality that drawing can embody, and how the opportunity to look and reflect on what we see holds rewards that cannot easily be quantified”.  He is right on, and this is a great opportunity for SVMA and its audience to see both Diebenkorn and the curatorial skills of a local talent.  It can’t miss - lots of small powerful drawings and sketches and pieces we have never seen.  Well done, Chester. 

The Diebenkorn Foundation and Kelly’s Cove Press have published “From the Model” by Richard Diebenkorn which will make a needed addition to your art library.  It is a great buy at $20.00. 

There are some excellent lectures and events connected to the exhibition:

Saturday, June 13, 2pm Tension Beneath Calm: Diebenkorn’s Figurative Work Stephen A. Nash, former Executive Director, Palm Springs Art Museum	Tues. & Thurs., July 14 & 16, 1-3pm Spotlight Seminar: Richard Diebenkorn Two-part, small-group seminar with Ann Wiklund $45 svma members | $55 general public, includes cost of book, The Art of Richard Diebenkorn
Saturday, July 11, 2pm A Daughter’s Perspective Gretchen Diebenkorn Grant	Saturday, July 18, 2pm Closely Considered – Diebenkorn in Berkeley Jan Wurm, artist and Exhibitions Director, Richmond Art Center
All talks are $10 for svma members; $15 general public

Simon Blattner was President of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art from 2006-2008 and 2013 - March of 2015.  He remains a member of the museum board.