Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed offers an unique selection of paintings by the artist, along with numerous objects from the Solomon Archive on view for the first time. Syd Solomon (American, 1917-2004) described himself as an “Abstract Impressionist” alluding to the fact that his work infused impressionism into the processes, scale and concepts of Abstract Expressionism. Solomon moved to Sarasota in 1946 with his wife Annie. His was the first work of contemporary art to be collected by The Ringling in 1962. His paintings were greatly influenced by climatic factors and reveal a fascination and concern for Florida’s aquatic environment. Solomon incorporated his experience as a camouflage designer during World War II into his painting. It is not well-known that he was also an accomplished graphic artist, who in his early years designed commercial signage for prominent hotels and businesses in Sarasota. Like his work in camouflage, Solomon’s calligraphic skill was essential to the development of his later gestural abstraction.

Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed is presented in partnership with the Estate of Syd Solomon and is accompanied by a 96-page publication with essays by former curator at The Ringling Michael Auping, George S. Bolge, Dr. Gail Levin, and Mike Solomon. The exhibition will include artworks from private collections and The Ringling’s permanent collection.

Image: Syd Solomon, (American, 1914 – 2004), Silent World, 1961, 58 3/16 x 38 5/16 x 1 15/16 inches. Museum purchase, 1962, SN742

Support for this exhibition has been provided, in part, by the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Ringling Museum Endowment.

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Sponsor support was provided by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and Herald Tribune Media Group.