Untitled Painting by Roland Roberge | United States

“Untitled”

LOT # 16C

Art Description:

About Roland Roberge

Born in 1945 Roland Roberge came of age in America in the 60’s, a decade that forever altered the social and political landscape of the United States and brought with it a radical shift in modern art. This period solidified New York as the center of the avant-garde in the West, a legacy Roberge would look to for inspiration. His work reflects a broad range of influences and techniques, with line work reminiscent of Joan Miro and Frank Stella and patterning that evoke the paintings of Gustav Klimt. Primarily self taught he demonstrated independence in both style and subjects.

After attending Bristol High School in Connecticut Roland went on to study at the University of Connecticut. After graduation he became an entrepreneur owning a newspaper delivery company in the 70’s, a nightclub in the 80’s, and an avid day trader in the 90’s, but his primal passion and motivation was surely his creative impulse.

During his life he produced a tremendous body of work starting way back in High School with delicate line drawings reminiscent of Asian art to more traditional oil portraits in his early years to dramatic massive three dimensional pieces in his maturity. During his final decade his output was enormous and along with his poetry and his ACRYLIC SERIES he also produced delicate Cube display cases each of which holds a story dramatized by tiny figurines and objects d’art which he collected on his travels to antique shows and auctions. Many of his Cube stories are mythological and others tell dark personal tales, all are fascinating.

In 1997 he purchased a beautiful 1859 Italianate home outside of Hartford, Connecticut which he used as an art studio and refuge. This period was a reclusive time for him and he spent his days trading on the stock market and his nights working tirelessly exploring his own creative endeavors and honing his craft.

Eventually in 2005 his passionate pursuit of art led him to New York City, living in Hell's Kitchen he immersed himself in the art world visiting libraries, museums and galleries, gathering inspiration for his work. Here he was able to experience the rich cultural offerings of the big city including the New York City Public Library on 42nd Street which he frequently visited and wrote his poetry seated at his favorite desk. Returning to Connecticut in 2012 with a vision for a new body of work and a book of poetry he continued to paint and write prolifically until his death in 2020.

In his ACRYLIC SERIES (2017-2019) his style is characterized by dense pattern work and fearless use of color. Electric colors are separated by gestural black brushstrokes making his paintings suggestive of stained glass windows. A strong Spanish palette. Roberge’s playful approach to composition invites the eye of the viewer to travel across the canvas in a rhythmic manner. The works emit the sounds of late night jazz clubs and roulette tables seeping into the city sidewalks and engaging the viewer with his romantic vantage. His pieces such as “Ode To (Frank) Stella”, “Mother and Child” and “ Girl with a Pearl Earring” show great adoration for the modern masters whose work he saw firsthand while living in New York.

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