Peter Dean

Peter Dean (1934-1993)  Crazy Dance Of The Crack Of Reality  1975  oil on canvas  75" x 62"
georgeadamsgallery.com

I saw Dean's painting in the late 60's and was immediately struck by the intensity of his vision. The work was vividly aggressive and poetic at the same time. His view of humanity and his emotions were evident in every brush stroke. At the time I did not know he was an auto didactic painter as well as a highly trained geologist. He ultimately forsake geology for painting full time in the 60's and we are the beneficiaries of that decision today.

Dean was an advocate for paintings lasting impact on humanity through a visionary narrative that could stir the viewer to a greater understanding of their place in the world. That view was going against the grain of critics, curators and galleries of the day. Needless to say the times were not as pluralistic as today. Still, his off handed style and passionate view of the artists roll in society still resonates with me today.

His exhibition is on view at George Adams Gallery in NYC through Dec. 23rd.