Friday. January 24, I9” SCARLET AND BLACK Occult-Characterizes Exhibition By RICHARD WICHSTROM The paintings and drawings of Rut lilanrhom, American painter, John :1. Graham an exhibit at Schaeiter gallery through February ii, presents a com- prehensive sample of the late work of this important figure in American art. He studied law in Russia and emigrated to the United States in the mid»20's where, for the first time, he began to study art. During the 30‘s Graham painted in a style similar to the post- Cubistic style at Picasso. Through this early work, he formed a major link be- tween the developments in European and American art. Blessed with an eye for beauty, he was a connoisseur of African, Egyptian, and Italian Renaissance an. Unlike most American artists, Graham was able to paint with complete understand- ing at the European postsCubislic style. In the mid-30’s he was 8 close friend of the then unknown artists, Gorky, Pol- lock, deKnnning, and David Smith, among others. In the 40's he discarded his Picasso- like style, and wmlred along stylistic lines closely related to the work of UC» cello and Greek ciassicismr It. is work from this period which is presented. This work is consciously prim ive. The flatly modeled iigures exhibit an interplay of large, abstract concave and convex terms and crisp, sweeping line, which link it tn the 20th Century Per- haps the most. obvious stylistic trait is his use a! crossed and distorted eyes They are fixed in a haunting stare for the double purpose of anchoring space to a point in the room and or creating tension. It is this tension which forcefully com- pliments his preoccupation with the mysticr These wurks are rich in occult iconography, most of which is far over my head. For example in Head or a Woman, 1954 the pupil at the lett eye is larger than the right. In the sym- bolism of the occult this is a sign of a rapid spiritual growth, His many selt. porti-nits are rich in iconography. Graham claims that his work was not intended to be beautiful but to convey iniorrnation about the occult, recogniz- able only to a iew. Art News, October, 1960, in a review at his works claims, “The ceremony he believes in, is, like Hundirli’s, relegated to the vaudeville stage. Far today magic is disappointing in its triviality and in- consequentiality." i couldn't disagree more strongly with this dismissal of Graham's work and the occult. Explor- ntion into the unknown order at this world has been made in the last few decades in the fine arts, tar example, the music or John Cage, chance draw~ ings of A11), etc. The Western culture has been blind too long to this aspect of “reality," 1 tind the work or Graham challeng- ing, stimulating, and haunting in my opinion it's one of the better exhibitions presented this year. Welcome Back. Grinnelliansl After The Long Holiday At Home You'll Enioy Our Selection Of Midnight Snacks! UNITED FOOD CENTER GLASSES Made and Repaired in Our Laboratory Contact lenses Cases and Solutions Eyes Examined Phone 236-3979 E. J. Jensen, 0.0. OPTOM ETRIST Across tram Post Office cloud nun. PM. and 5m. LM. POYNTER’S JANUARY CLEARANCE 0F SEASONAL SPORTSWEAR — COATS, SUITS, DRESSES, COORIDINATES, CAR COATS 2ForI One Group Sweaters-Skirts Buy One At Regular Price -— that One of Equal Value FREE 2 ForI One Group Dresses Buy One At Regular Price — Get One of Equal Value FREE See Our Rocks of Suits, Coats, Car Coats, Caps, Mittens, Gloves. All Reduced! STORE HOURS: NOON "HI. 9 MONDAYS; 9 'TIL 5 TUESDAY THRU SATURDAY POYNTER'S 4th Ave. Fashions, Inc. GRINNELL'S COMPLETE STYLE FOR WOMEN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY It’s - THE VARSITY NEWSSTAN D rou SMOKES, SNACKS, BOOKS. I Missed You! How About A Single Flower comics, or Floral Arrangement For . Returning Friend? Come See Me In My New Home ELLA'S FLOWERS I123 Broad Pole Lamps ,Desk Lamps Chairs Pillows WILCOX- GARLAND FURNITURE 913 Brand Step Up To JD'S RESTAURANT int/z Msin Morn - 5st. 5 on Io me Sundry — Noon tn |0 pun.