Artist reception for Van Damme at Kehler Liddell Saturday

Kehler Liddell Gallery
873 Whalley Ave., New Haven, (203) 389-9555
Retrospective of Works by Roger Van Damme
Dec. 1—30, 2007
Artist's reception: Sat., Dec. 8, 4—8 p.m.

Press release

Kehler Liddell Gallery in Westville, will proudly host a retrospective of the works of painter Roger Van Damme, a Connecticut artist whose career stretches over six decades.

Van Damme's paintings reveal a deep understanding of the human condition and man's inevitable mortality. He is best known for his still-life paintings of enamel cups, a recurring subject in his compositions. Wounded in Belgium during WWII, he was nursed back to health with liquids sipped from these field cups. The placement of the cups and other objects paired with simple backgrounds evoke Cezanne-like references to questions of balance and perception.

Van Damme's artistic genius lies in his figure paintings. Whether a beautifully rendered, tender portrait of his late wife, or the subtle variation of color in his glowing nudes, Van Damme poignantly portrays the essence of his subjects through skillful brushstrokes. Equally enthralling is the spectrum of color and form used in his seascapes, which vary in scope from majestic oil paintings to compact watercolors.

As a young man Van Damme studied under such modern masters as Edwin Dickinson and George Grosz. Van Damme has garnered much praise over his lengthy career and been honored with numerous awards and fellowships, including the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts award in 2000 and multiple New Haven Paint and Clay Club prizes. Judy Birke wrote in 2006, "Van Damme is a consummate artist. Whether painting still lives, figures, interiors or seascapes, Van Damme is a painter who knows how to paint. It's hard to think of many other artists as skilled at their craft as he is."

Works from all stages of his career, and encompassing a variety of subject matter and styles, as well as pieces on loan from permanent collections, will be on view from Dec. 1—30.

The artist's reception will be held Sat., Dec. 8 from 4-—8 p.m. The public is welcome to join the artist and community in celebration at the Kehler Liddell Gallery, located in Westville Village. There is no admission fee for the gallery or reception. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m.—4 p.m., and Sat., Sun. 10 a.m.—4 p.m. Further information on the gallery and Roger Van Damme can be seen online at www.kehlerliddell.com.