All of Andrewss portraits are notable for their tenderness, especially those of the people to whom he was closest. In Portrait of George C. Andrews (1986), his father relaxes in a red easy chair wearing a tobacco-colored work shirt and a newsboy cap. The wall beside him is unlike anything else here: Its covered with colorful objects suggesting little paintings, toys, fishing flies an accumulation of artistry and passion. It is also worth noting that the artists he admired and depicted Alice Neel, Howardena Pindell, Ray Johnson, Nene Humphrey (who was also his wife) seem especially at peace. The joy of being both an artist and a subject is palpable in Portrait of the Portrait Painter in which an artist (probably Andrews) sits opposite a beautifully dressed woman; an untouched canvas lies between their feet on more bare canvas. The scene is suffused with pleasure and anticipation.
In the end, Andrews took on Boris Margos advice to heart, depicting what he knew and cared about, which not to oversimplify came down to art, politics and people: his loved ones and fellow artists as well as human suffering and social injustice, the issues behind his activism. Eventually he portrayed his world and his values, which may be the most you can ask of any artist.
Benny Andrews: Portraits, a Real Person Before the Eyes
Through Dec. 23 at Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, 100 11th Avenue, Manhattan, (212) 247-0082, michaelrosenfeldart.com.read more
Benny Andrews: A Life in Portraits
