Julian Rockmore 1980s New York City "Rockaway Express" Subway Scene Social Realist Oil Painting on Canvas

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Julian Rockmore's (1908-1988) work centers around two remotely distinct worlds, New York City and the picturesque countryside of Northeast. In … Read more Julian Rockmore's (1908-1988) work centers around two remotely distinct worlds, New York City and the picturesque countryside of Northeast. In his work, Rockwell captures but not idealizes the American scene in both the city and country settings. In the social realistic style, Rockmore uses the tools of his trade to capture, rather document, the crass glamour of a New York City subway or the quaint charm of a country auction. Every ounce of Rockmore's energy is transformed onto the canvas via his fingertips and through his seemingly magical paintbrushes that bring to life dozens of vibrant colors. In his “Rockaway Express,” subway riders are being jostled and tossed around by the moving train. One could hear the rumble of the train and the gasps as people struggled to steady themselves. And of course the rustling sound of the ubiquitous newspaper that is part of the New York landscape. Rockmore releases all of the five senses in his work, causing the viewer to have a visual experience that suggests impressions of taste, smell, touch and hearing-- all beginning with the vivid movement of the eyes. Rockmore was one of very few artists (mostly photographers) at the time that made the daily and mundane life of New Yorkers his subject matter. "I am interested mainly in ordinary situations, and my attempt is to paint them in extraordinary ways" Julian Rockmore once stated during a lecture at the Morris Museum of Arts and Sciences. Rockmore commuted to New York City for over 20 years and estimated that he spent over 5,000 hours on the E Train. This scene he depicts here was just one of thousands he experienced on his daily commute.“Of course I could have gone back and forth all those hours without having ever seen anything–but all the colors, people and movement registered with me and I had to put it down.”

Rockmore began his training at the San Francisco Conservancy of Fine Arts and furthered his studies at the Chicago Art Institute. He also attended The Arts Student League of New York and Grand Central School of Art. See less