Reuben Nakian

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Nakian, Reuben

A Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Art | 1999 | | © A Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Art 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Nakian, Reuben (1897–1986). American sculptor, born at College Point, New York, the son of Armenian immigrant parents. He studied at several art colleges before being apprenticed to Paul Manship, 1917–20. In Manship's workshop he became friendly with Gaston Lachaise and they shared a studio in the early 1920s. At this time Nakian worked in a polished traditional style and in the 1930s he was particularly known as a portraitist. During the Second World War he confined himself mainly to drawing, and when he returned to sculpture in earnest in about 1947 it was with a radically changed style. Influenced by his friend Arshile Gorky, he became one of the sculptors (others were Lassaw, Lipton, and Roszak) who created a kind of three-dimensional version of Abstract Expressionism. Typically he used cloth stretched on chicken wire and dipped in plaster or glue, creating rough, sensuous textures. Later he had his works cast in bronze and sometimes added elements in welded steel. Often he based his work on mythological themes, but retained only vague suggestions of figurative elements (Goddess of the Golden Thighs, Detroit Institute of Arts, 1964–5). Much of his work is on a large scale, intended for outdoor display.

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Reuben Nakian

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Reuben Nakian , 1897-1986, American sculptor, b. College Point, New York. Nakian's work is characterized by bold, massive, rough-textured forms organically draped or leaning heavily against one another. Most are abstract portrayals of themes from classical mythology. The monumental Rape of Lucrece (1955-58; Mus. of Modern Art, New York City) is made of welded steel sheets and rods. Nakian's works are noted for their spontaneous sensuality.

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Centennial of Sculptor Reuben Nakian to be Celebrated at Corcoran
Newspaper article from: Armenian Reporter, The; 2/6/1999; 700+ words ; ...1999 Centennial of Sculptor Reuben Nakian to be Celebrated at Corcoran Gallery...genius of famed Armenian sculptor Reuben Nakian will be celebrated in a one...media, and donors of the AGBU Reuben Nakian Centennial Fund. The stunning...
Legendary Sculptor Reuben Nakian's Centennial to be Celebrated at
Newspaper article from: Armenian Reporter, The; 9/26/1998; 700+ words ; ...26-1998 Legendary Sculptor Reuben Nakian's Centennial to be Celebrated...Reading, PA, and Corcoran Museums Reuben Nakian was twelve years old when he and...From those prophetic beginnings, Reuben Nakian who was born in Long Island...
ART REVIEW - Intimate Sculptures: Reuben Nakian's Unwavering Byplay Between Gesture and Matter
Newspaper article from: Armenian Reporter, The; 5/28/2005; ; 700+ words ; ...sculptures by prominent artist Reuben Nakian (1897-1986) on display at...expressionist painting and drawing. Reuben Nakian, born in New York in 1897, befriended...gesture within these sculptures of Reuben Nakian. Zabriskie Gallery recently celebrated...
Centennial Survey of Reuben Nakian's Sculpture on exhibit till
Newspaper article from: Armenian Reporter, The; 5/31/1997; 620 words ; ...31-1997 Centennial Survey of Reuben Nakian's Sculpture on Exhibit Till...honoring the birth of sculptor Reuben Nakian. This exhibition surveys work...Having opened on May 16, "Reuben Nakian: Sculpture - A Centennial Survey...
Bye green trees, hello sculpture: Nakian work to grace the Stamford Government Center plaza.
Newspaper article from: Stamford Advocate (Stamford, CT); 4/24/2007; 700+ words ; ...Center plaza to make way for a Reuben Nakian sculpture and possibly a fountain...artist who brokered the deal. Reuben Nakian, who crafted art in his North...Sea Odyssey" will be the fifth Reuben Nakian work on display outdoors in Stamford...
Rhythmic sculpturing.(Arts)(Art)
Newspaper article from: The Washington Times; 3/28/1999; ; 700+ words ; ...expressionist painters, sculptor Reuben Nakian worked with an equivalent kind...less so. He died in 1986. Mr. Nakian's art is one of line. It was...distinct pleasure. ***** WHAT: "Reuben Nakian: Centennial Retrospective" WHERE...
LOST BABE RUTH SCULPTURE SOUGHT.(MAIN)
Newspaper article from: Albany Times Union (Albany, NY); 10/18/1998; 700+ words ; ...Associated Press BALTIMORE -- Artist Reuben Nakian, homesick after a European tour...Gallery in Washington, D.C. Reuben Nakian, who died in 1986 at 89, may...statue of Babe Ruth sculpted by Reuben Nakian. The statue has been missing...
After 63 years, sculpture of Babe Ruth still missing
News Wire article from: AP Online; 10/16/1998; ; 700+ words ; ...1998 BALTIMORE (AP) _ Artist Reuben Nakian, homesick after a European tour...by a black-and-white photo. Nakian's son wishes he could find the...Gallery in Washington, D.C. Reuben Nakian, who died in 1986 at 89, may...
Machismo dolls and sensual bronzes
Newspaper article from: The Boston Globe; 1/14/1999; ; 700+ words ; ...Gallery, 88 White St., East Boston, through Jan. 23 REUBEN NAKIAN: MYTHS AND MUSES Sculptures, plaques, and drawings...enigmatic works. Virtually unexhibited in Boston, Reuben Nakian was a major figure in 20th-century sculpture. In...
Reps to make case for sparing trees.
Newspaper article from: Stamford Advocate (Stamford, CT); 5/22/2007; 700+ words ; ...yank the trees to make way for a Reuben Nakian sculpture and a fountain. "I...friendly, Barnes said. Maria Nakian, a former member of the Board...city officials, she said. Other Reuben Nakian works are on display in Kiwanis...

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