Abstract Expressionism Rocks

Oh, to be in New York tonight for the opening of a major exhibition of new works by "the painter's painter" Thornton Willis, whom I have had the privilege of knowing for a decade.

Thornton Willis was born, raised and educated in the South, completing his Masters work at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He moved to New York City in 1967 to pursue his career as an artist where he still lives and works.

This new group of paintings is a continuation of the dialogue with painting that Thornton began in those early years. His use of the triangle and strong diagonals has become a familiar trademark in his work. Here he continues the process of reexamination and refinement.

"I have always given credit to my influences, in particular to the New York School of Abstract Expressionism, which opened the door for what I call ‘Real Painting’," he says "and to those more contemporary artists whose dedication, work and focus have informed my art and created for it a historical context. For me, American Abstract Painting always has been, and remains, the most advanced means of visual expression available to a free society.”

Thornton has shown extensively in New York and in Europe and has work in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum of American Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C., Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY, the Powers Collection in Sydney, but to name a few.

This must-see opportunity to view Thornton's work is at the elizabeth harris gallery 529 w20 st ny 10011. Phone 212 463 9666. Closes December 22. The Gallery is located at 529 West 20th Street, 6th floor, and is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 – 6. For further information please contact Miles Manning at 212 463-9666.