Products of Fourteenth Street realism of the 1930s, the Soyer brothers document the decades of their American life, from their Russian Jewish roots to the sexual revolution. Dancers, Eighth Avenue prostitutes and lesbian lovers in Raphael Soyer’s works are all punctuated with a gravitas that makes them more accessible, with focused eyes and heavy shadow emphasizing stories of pleasure and melancholy. “Mother and Child” reflects the political and social realities of the 1960s as a white woman with an olive-green jacket nurtures her black baby under a sign warning of radioactivity. In “The Dance Lesson,” a couple dances almost regally as members of their Jewish families appear preoccupied. Raphael’s brother, Moses, takes a more expressionist approach with striking color and heavy oil-paint strokes that are less defined. “Soldiers—World War II” hints at the romanticism of that age with the passionate embrace of a long-separated couple. “Cynthia Nude Before a Mirror” shows a woman visibly distressed, with red circles around her eyes that do not appear in her calmer, more idealized reflection. The youngest Soyer, Isaac, is like Moses in his use of color and expression, with the still life “Mandolin and Vase” almost happy with its bright orange flowers and deep green foliage. Though varying slightly in style, the Soyer brothers’ anecdotal views enable historical and cultural introspection through instances of everyday life. (Ben Broeren)
Through October 17 at Madron, 1000 W. North, (312)640-1302
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