Jeff Bailey Gallery is pleased to present DANDY, a group exhibition with works by Duncan Hannah, Richard Kern, Wayne Koestenbaum, Cotter Luppi, Bob Mizer, Jim Richard and Erik Schoonebeek.
The meaning of dandy has evolved over time. The word first appeared in the late 18th century to describe a gentleman with style and wit, prone to eccentricity but nevertheless restrained. A dandy had no attachments, dependents or occupation. In short, he was a well-dressed man about town and did what he wanted to, usually with an air of superiority. The Englishman Beau Brummel best fits this description.
In mid 19th century France, Charles Baudelaire created the notion of the artist dandy, a seeker of beauty both transitory and eternal. Baudelaire’s dandy was a keen observer, a flaneur and connoisseur of high and low life.
In late 19th century England, Oscar Wilde was representative of a more flamboyant dandy, an aesthete not above self-aggrandizement.
Throughout time, the dandy has struck a pose. Having a fear of boredom, he is always a pleasure seeker.
Who might a dandy be today? What might he read, drive, or think about? Where does he hang out? For whom does he lust? In paintings, drawings and photographs, the seven artists in DANDY in give us their take.
Wayne Koestenbaum, Christian Schlegel and Rebecca Wolff will give a reading at the gallery on Saturday, February 6 at 4pm.
Jeff Bailey Gallery is located at 127 Warren Street, Hudson, New York, 12534. Gallery hours are Friday – Sunday, from 12-6 and by appointment. For further information or images, please contact the gallery at info@baileygallery.com or 518.828.6680.