Elmer Bischoff: A Survey of Paintings and Drawings
Exhibit Dates: February 29 – April 19
Art Talk: Feb. 29, 4-5pm
Reception: Feb. 29, 5-7pm

“Elmer Bischoff: A Survey of Paintings and Drawings, 1937 – 1972,” is an exhibit that includes 38 expressive works that illustrate Bischoff’s visual journey from abstraction to figuration, and back again, over the course of four decades. Bischoff was a Bay Area painter deeply engaged in the practice of putting paint on canvas in a way that kept him constantly searching for something just out of his reach. His paintings are sensual and lyrical, with marks and compositions influenced by his love of music, including New Orleans Jazz and classical music.

The exhibit is comprised of rarely-viewed paintings and drawings, loaned from private collections and from members of Bischoff’s family. MarinMOCA is grateful for the expert assistance of George Adams, Bischoff Estate representative and owner of the George Adams Gallery, located in New York. Mr. Adams explains, “This exhibition is not so much about Elmer Bischoff becoming a painter as it is about his being a painter who pursued something essential in each work through many transformations of subject and process. One could say that he listened to his paintings and responded honestly until he could no longer hear what they were saying, whereupon he made the necessary switch to another genre. This approach fulfilled Bischoff’s desire to keep his work “alive and in the present.” This exhibit furthers the Bischoff legacy and illuminates an artist who remains one of our 20th century Bay Area legends.

Exhibit Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+ and students 18-21. Free for members.
Adult Docent Tours: Thursdays at 11:00 am and Saturdays at 2:00 pm, beginning on March 5
An exhibition catalog featuring an essay by former Stanford Cantor Arts Center curator Hilarie Faberman will be available for purchase.

Learn about Bischoff in the Art Talk
Meghan O’Callaghan, visiting art scholar from Toronto, will present an art talk about Bischoff on Sat., Feb 29, at 4pm in the upstairs gallery. She will present insightful background information that will make your gallery visit much more meaningful. The Opening Reception follows from 5pm – 7pm.