By
Bryan Sullivan
Conventional art takes a back seat to the wild works of
Agnes Robertson (1911-2001) in April and
May at the Burchfield-Penney Art Center.
“The Wild World of Agnes Robertson”
display features more than 20 of Robertson’s paintings.
A second exhibition of her work can be seen at Meibohm
Fine Arts in East Aurora on May 2.
Head of Collections and The Charles Cary
Rumsey Curator Nancy Weekly helped to bring
the exhibit to the Burchfield-Penney. Weekly feels the art
can be enjoyed by Robertson fans and people who have never
seen the work.
“Those people familiar with her
work ahead of time are very excited,” Weekly said.
“Those people who are not familiar can see it for
the first time.”
Meibohm Fine Arts Gallery Owner Grace
Meibohm was friends with Robertson for several
years. Meibohm always wanted to display Robertson’s
work.
“I’ve known Agnes for years
and looked forward to working with her,” Meibohm said.
“I’ve always enjoyed her work, and am happy
to be showing her pieces now.”
Robertson began painting at 48. From 1959
through 1966 she studied art at the New York Art Students
League in Woodstock and studied at the University at Buffalo
in 1978.
According to Weekly, Robertson’s time
at the New York Art Students League helped her to better
paint the mood of the period.
“A lot of it, even though some
of it is playful, I think a lot of it is very serious and
a social commentary,” Weekly said. “I think
for the most part it has to do with reactions to what was
going on in the 60s.”
Meibohm hopes the viewer can see Robertson’s
insights into the issues of the 60s.
“I hope they can see some of
her insight on some difficult issues,” Meibohm said.
“Everyone sees something different, it is wonderful.”
According to Weekly, two Robertson paintings
displayed, “Mad Bombers” and Conflagration”
are social commentaries on the irrationality of war.
Robertson did not only comment on social
issues.
She also helped children better understand
art by having clinics at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
“I don’t know how any artists
who said, ‘Agnes Robertson got me going,’ but
she did teach a lot of children,” Weekly said. “She
helped a lot of kids open up in terms of feeling free to
express themselves.”
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