NEW YORK SayArt – From debuting in a restaurant's bathroom to gracing the halls of the world's most esteemed art institutions, Elizabeth Peyton's remarkable journey through the art world epitomized the dynamic nature of contemporary art. With a career that spanned over three decades, Peyton's works have stood as a testament to the enduring power of human connection in art.
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| ▲ Elvis Angel (Elvis' Eyes), 2023, Oil on linen board, 9 x 12 inches (22.9 x 30.5 cm), Signed, titled, and dated verso, Courtesy of David zwirner. |
Peyton had a distinctive touch when it came to her subjects, which ranged from icons like Elvis to historical figures like Mary Magdalene. More than mere representation, she encapsulated universal emotions that bridge cultures and eras. Her intrinsic humanism brought a profound closeness to her pieces, evoking feelings one might experience in sacred cathedrals or while witnessing the majesty of towering mountain peaks.
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| ▲ Titanic (Leonardo), 2023, Oil on board, 9 x 12 inches (22.9 x 30.5 cm), Signed, titled, dated, and inscribed verso, Courtesy of David zwirner. |
Having graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York, Peyton's initial exhibitions were unapologetically unconventional. She showcased her work in places like The Bathroom at Novecento in 1992 and Room 828 at Chelsea Hotel in 1993. However, her unmistakable style didn't stay confined to such unique spaces for long, as her art soon found its way to prominent venues around the world.
In 2008, the New Museum in New York presented "Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton," a retrospective that celebrated her works up to that point in her life. The exhibition traveled globally, with stops at renowned institutions including the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and London's Whitechapel Gallery.
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| ▲ Thus Love (Echo), 2023, Oil on linen board, 14 1/8 x 11 inches (35.9 x 27.9 cm), Signed, titled, and dated verso, Courtesy of David zwirner. |
One of her most notable past exhibitions, "Elizabeth Peyton: Aire and Angels," was held at the National Portrait Gallery in London. This unique presentation juxtaposed Peyton's contemporary pieces with historical portraiture, highlighting the timeless nature of human emotion and connection.
Over her career, Peyton was lauded with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Aldrich Award in 2006. She also garnered honors at the 2018 New Museum Gala.
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| ▲ Ang (Ang Tshering Lama), 2023, Oil on board, 12 x 9 inches (30.5 x 22.9 cm), Signed, titled, and dated verso, Courtesy of David zwirner. |
Though Peyton lived and traveled internationally, enriching her artistry with global influences, her central themes of universal human emotion and connection remained steadfast. Today, as we look back, her legacy continues to resonate, with New York still holding her memories and inspirations in its vibrant art scene.
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Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
