“Art does not reproduce what we see. It makes us see.”
– Paul Klee
Mountains and rivers and lakes, oh my. Scenery is in abundant supply here in our mountain town of Ketchum and surrounding areas, and it is breathtaking. Many an artist is inspired by such beauty and you will find a plethora of images to reflect this splendor in photographs, paintings and sculptures around the Valley. Beyond these mainstays, if you take a closer look, is a modern art scene that rivals some of the great art cities in the country.
Ketchum is home to a collection of galleries where amongst this beautiful backdrop you can see the likes of; Andy Warhol, Jim Dine, Roy Lichtenstein, Russell Young, Squeak Carnwath, Picasso, Keith Herring, David Levinthal, Charles Arnoldi, Hunt Slonem, Chuck Close, James Verbicky Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Francis Bacon, Melvin Sokolsky and Alexander Calder just to name a few.
Who can forget the swirling colors of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”, Picasso’s fractured figures or Warhol’s repetitive Campbell Soup cans? The term Modern Art is a movement usually associated with art in which the current traditions have been thrown out by the up and coming generation of artists in the spirit of rebellion against the artistic dogmas of their time. Modern art has taken on many different meanings since the movement began but it still represents fresh ideas on traditional themes or mediums, experimentation and rebellion.
Ochi & Gail Severn
Ochi and Gail Severn galleries are the bastions of the modern art scene in the area. Having been open for over four decades these two have set the standard for Ketchum’s art galleries.
Friesen
Friesen Gallery has been in the Valley for over thirty years as one of the areas renown contemporary art galleries. They exclusively exhibits contemporary paintings, glass and sculpture by both known and emerging artists. With a reputation for mounting remarkable exhibitions by significant artists who share a similar passion and integrity, Friesen Gallery sees the connection and importance of art, something enriching the life of every person.
Gilman Contemporary
Gilman Contemporary is Ketchum’s newest leader in modern art in the valley. Exhibiting all forms of visual art, it is their photography collection that you must check out. Photography is “Modern Art” at its best because it was only recently considered fine art. Photographers were on the cutting edge of a new art movement that was shunned by the establishment. Exhibiting fashion photography icons of the mid nineteenth century alongside others whose photographs go beyond the documentary and explore the boundaries of photography. Many of Gilman Contemporary’s photographers foray into modern techniques that push the limits of what we see as reality.
Liption Fine Arts
Lipton Fine Arts exhibits a wide array of contemporary artists from his personal collection. Tucked away in an unassuming gallery space near Atkinson’s Market featuring works by, including but not limited to, Annie Leibovitz, Alexander Calder, Jim Dine and Sam Francis.
Broschofsky Galleries
Brochofsky Galleries focus on contemporary fine art that explores themes on the American West. Here you will find multiple paintings and prints by AndyWarhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
Frederic Boloix
Frederic Boloix specializes in 20th century masters and contemporary art. In a modern minimalist space, Boloix exhibits paintings, sculptures and works on paper by such masters as Matisse, Miro, Picasso and others.
Many of the local galleries exhibit in the most prestigious art fairs around the country including Art Basel, Miami and the San Francisco Fine Art Fair. Exhibiting alongside prestigious galleries from around the world their artists’ work can be found hanging in museums from the Guggenheim to the Met and beyond. Take a step off the beaten path and venture into some of Ketchum’s art galleries, take a closer look – you will be moved.
