Egon Shiele’s Women at Galerie St. Etienne

By Marina Rybak

I sketch my designs freehand and as a tune-up attend life-drawing sessions at the Spring Studio in Soho for the pure joy of figure drawing. My college art teachers encouraged me to unlock this artistic passion of mine, emphasizing the importance of courageously placing the “mark” on paper. The immediate, blissful experience of transmitting the emotional energy on the tip of my pencil allowed me to break out of the illusions of the linear existence and helped me to access the space of co creating instantly.

Recently I was reminded about my sincere wish to spend more time at the Studio, when I learned about Egon Shiele’s Women exhibit at the Galerie St. Etienne through December 28. To say that I love the figurative art of the Austrian Expressionist Egon Shiele (1890-1918) is an understatement. I am profoundly inspired by his work. When I encounter the opportunity to view his drawings, I run to see them.

The Galerie St. Etienne is the leading expert on the Expressionist Movement and is the oldest US gallery of its kind.  With founding roots in Vienna it was influential in the introduction of the Expressionism to this country.  Egon Shiele Women is an impressive selection of the drawings and watercolors, presented in the spacious, intimate rooms where I could get up-close-and-personal with the artist, and in the near silence was able to immerse myself in his world.

During his meteoric and prolific life Egon Shiele shattered the conventional portrayal of women. According to the gallery’s director and accomplished scholar Jane Kallir, “Schiele literally invented a new way of looking at women.” I can easily identify with his women. To me they look modern with their direct, liberated, restless stare.  Vulnerable in their humanity, they are no longer contained and are edging out of their space. The artist’s presence, though not visible, is intensely felt in his work and is overwhelmingly real. His single stroke is fearless and masterful in capturing the body with the power to reveal the inner truth of the sitter. It catches the fleeting expression of the moment, delivering it through time.

And how lucky I am to be on the receiving end, embrace Shiele’s art and make the connection with the artist in such an informal way during this unique exhibit.

 For further details check out: http://gseart.com/