In 1968, things began to change significantly for the artistic community here in Richmond, as the Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical School of Virginia merged to form VCU, creating one of the largest art schools in the country at the time. In that first year, among many new hires was an artist by the name of D. Jack Solomon. Teaching at VCU for its first 7 years, Solomon can attest that it was an exciting time in the creative life of Richmond: “There were many wonderful things going on in Richmond, art-wise, and an abundance of creative energy.” No one can deny that, lately, it seems as though Richmond is teeming with creative energy. Between the ever popular First Fridays, the fantastic continuation of the Richmond Mural Project, and (of course) the inspiring RVA Street Art Festival, Richmond has an abundance of creative achievements to be proud of. It’s almost as if we have generated the perfect conditions for the return of one of Richmond’s prodigal sons. Solomon’s dynamic and inspired new collection, “Incidental Dramas for the 21st Century,” which opens at Gallery A on Thursday September 19th, is as well timed as it is exciting!
Fast Forward, 2007, 26 X 22”, acrylic on canvas
Though Richmond’s creative energy and excitement remain comparable to that of the late sixties, some things were quite different in those days. For instance, Solomon says, “I don’t recall there was an active art scene that revolved around galleries. I remember only one, maybe two… what art activity there was at the time in Richmond was primarily connected in some way with the school, directly or indirectly.” So, in order to procure installation space outside of VCU, Solomon and his coworkers had to get creative. Together with a couple of students, they began Painters Independent Enterprise (PIE). PIE was responsible for finding unique venues around the city and putting on collective art shows. This certainly falls in line with Richmond’s well known love affair with the DIY culture. While at VCU, Solomon was also awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Individual Artist Grant, a highly honorable accolade. After seven years at VCU, Solomon left for New York to focus on his craft and career. Since his move, Solomon’s work has been in galleries from coast to coast and beyond—in the 90’s, he was even given a residency in Altos de Chavon, Dominican Republic. Before his retirement two years ago, he taught for 28 years at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City, during which time he was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant.
Call on Me, 2008, 38 X 50”, acrylic on canvas
Solomon finds inspiration everywhere, claiming “there is not a day that goes by that I’m not inspired by something or someone. I’m very grateful for this.” His aesthetic, however, has undoubtedly been impacted by both his youth on the west coast and his adulthood on the east coast. Expertly integrated, his work is an impressive blend and balance of the quirky and whimsical pop qualities of the west, with the more formal and structural concepts shaped by the east coast aesthetic. Solomon’s work is rich with movement, playful with boundaries, and harmonious in its use of color. His work is constantly evolving, and, in doing so, he creates unique pieces that effectively combine elements of surrealism, abstract expressionism, and pop art.
Composite #4, 2006, 24 X 18”, acrylic on canvas
The evolution of art and the artist is one that hits close to home for Solomon. In a phone interview conducted by David Brickman in 2009, Solomon spoke eloquently about the importance of artistic growth:
One of the things I’m always talking to my students about are levels of development, when you investigate and follow ideas until you reach a kind of plateau where they are refined. Now, what I see is that a lot of the time, people hit those plateaus and they never go beyond them… but I think that what you really want do is challenge yourself all the time, [so] when you reach that plateau, somehow you move on.
Funny Paper #78, 2004, 50 X 43”, acrylic on canvas
The intricacy and diversity of Solomon’s work illustrates the artist’s own experimental and successful growth over the course of his extensive career. In Solomon’s Richmond days, his work focused on minimalist color grids—but over time, it transitioned, as he began to incorporate the use of pop art, a throwback to his California roots. Now that Solomon has returned to Richmond, it will be fascinating to see how his newest works have evolved.
Small Talk #8, 2009, 7 X 5,5”, acrylic on paper
As much as he would like to, it’s not often that D. Jack Solomon has the opportunity to return to Richmond. His last show in Richmond was 2001, nearly 12 years ago, so don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to meet the artist and check out his newest works! The opening reception of “Incidental Dramas for the 21st Century” is on Thursday, September 19th, from 5-9 pm at Gallery A (located at 114-A Virginia Street, right around the corner from Solomon’s 1970’s art studio). The show will run through October 26th 2013. I highly suggest that you also check out more of this ex-Richmonder’s distinctive and vibrant work at his website: djacksolomon.com.
