robert kushner

Kushner is an artist who works in both painting and printmaking.  This particular image is Zinias, 2000, a 20-colour serigraph with a signed limited edition of 150.  I am attracted to Kushner's work because of both the subject matter and the colourful compositions.  He has a organic method of compositional develop and allows layers of both colour and image to interact in order to create new shapes.  In Zinias, I really like the way that he uses texture behind the floral forms on the right side of the image.  He also is aware of both the positive and negative spaces using them interchangeably to create a more dynamic image.

On the Smithsonian Associates Collectors Program website they describe Zinias as "a reflection of Kushner's love of flowers, which have been his exclusive subject for the last decade. The warm color harmony catches the vibrant hues of red, orange, green, and brown and is complemented by the use of metallic copper. With the dynamic use of lines, Mr. Kushner makes the flowers appear alive, as if they were right before you." - Smithsonian Associates Collectors Program