Palitz Gallery presents ‘Karl Schrag: Memories and Premonitions’

Karl Schrag, “Vanishing Day” (second version), c. 1990, Courtesy of Karl Schrag LLC

The Palitz Gallery at Syracuse University’s Lubin House in New York City is celebrating the career and life of Karl Schrag, American painter and printmaker. “Karl Schrag: Memories and Premonitions” is one of the first examinations of the artist’s work since his death in 1995.

The exhibition contains 20 works including paintings and drawings, with works from the Syracuse University Art Galleries, which maintains the only complete collection of the artist’s prints.  “Karl Schrag: Memories and Premonitions” is reflective of his masterful handling of the figure, landscape and still-life scenes and the evocative power of his vision, and the works in the exhibition convey the artist’s ability to see the landscape as if for the first time and the surprise of that special view.

“Karl Schrag: Memories and Premonitions” is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. beginning Aug. 26, and runs through Oct. 30. The exhibition will be closed Labor Day weekend. It is free and open to the public.  A 128-page, fully illustrated catalog will accompany the exhibition and is available for purchase in both hardcover or softcover online at http://suart.syr.edu/shop or at the gallery. Contact 212-826-0320 or lubin@syr.edu for more information.

Karl Schrag, “Overgrown Path” (color version), 1962, Syracuse University Art Collection

Schrag’s art career spanned more than 60 years and included strong ties to the NYC art scene; after studying at the Art Students League, he joined S.W. Hayter’s prestigious printmaking Atelier 17, working alongside artists Miró, Chagall and Jackson Pollock. Schrag was named director of the Atelier in 1950 and later taught at Cooper Union from 1954 to 1968.  Schrag had a direct impact on many of his students, including the Syracuse-based artist Jerome Witkin.  A well-established contemporary artist, Witkin has commented on Schrag’s masterful handling of the landscape and the evocative power of his vision.

The art selected for “Karl Schrag: Memories and Premonitions” will convey the artist’s ability to see the landscape as if for the first time, the surprise of that special view, the recognition of his ability to feel wonder when looking at nature or figure and the reward associated with seeing the world through his eyes.

As stated by Schrag, “While I believe that the outward appearance of nature is but the shell of a deeper and richer inside world that I wish to understand, I also know that the forms of art are in their infinite relationships charged with profound meanings.”

The Syracuse University Art Collection boasts a complete collection of graphic works, including prints in every medium: etchings, aquatints, engravings, lithographs and relief work. Syracuse has also helped produce a catalogue raisonné of his work that has been published in three installments.

Curated by SUArt Galleries Director Domenic J. Iacono, the exhibition highlights numerous prints from the Syracuse University Art Collection, as well as loaned work consisting of paintings and drawings from the artist’s family.