TELLURIDE AIDS BENEFIT’S ART AUCTION 2013

27 Feb TELLURIDE AIDS BENEFIT’S ART AUCTION 2013

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Edward Lentsch’s artistic vision defies boundaries and crosses mediums. He is an author, architectural builder, designer, inventor, and entrepreneur, inspired by fields as diverse as mysticism, astronomy and quantum physics. As a painter, Lentsch is a Neo-Expressionist with a clear and muscular symbolic vision. The richly textured mixed media organic surfaces of his monumental canvases, (which incorporate porcelain, concrete and vinyl polymers), appear to originate from a place of deep introspection, then range adroitly across a vast swath of myth and history. The final image suggests cosmic upheaval or ancient ruins – (the artist’s worldview?).

“There might be a whiff of German abstractionist Anselm Keifer’s grandiosity in Lentsch’s ambitious images, but his bravura gestures have an authentic individuality,” wrote a critic in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune.

For Lentsch, “As words define those things that are most important to our definition of self, art is the translation of those same, but most important definitions.”

Ed Lentsch (whose work sells in the five-figures) is one of about 50+ artists who generously donated work to the Telluride AIDS Benefit‘s annual art auction, curated by Telluride Gallery of Fine Art director Baerbel Hacke. Lentsch donated a piece he entitled “Tumblr”:

“‘Tumblr’ as coined is a metaphor for an area of Memes (‘an idea, behavior or style that spreads from person to person within a culture.’) that reflects the concept of Synectics,” the artist explained. “‘Synectics’ is a reoccurring theme of my work, that alludes to how all things can be connected in some way. Tumblr is a micro-blogging platform and social networking website where it allows people to post multimedia and other content to a short form blog. My use of titles is intended to weave esoteric interactions of information into a vast matrix of connectivity between subjects and objects.”

Ever notice that the word “pain” is embedded in “painting?” The Telluride AIDS Benefit’s auction, however, is a wonderful way to transform pain into gain for the nonprofit’s six beneficiaries, including a new honorary beneficiary, Ubuntu Africa, all of whom do great work from Colorado to Africa.

The event takes place upstairs at the historic Sheridan Opera House on Friday, March 1. Bidding opens at noon. The silent auction and reception take place 6 – 10 p.m.

(And while you are at the Opera House, don’t miss the work in the downstairs gallery. It is produced by families and kids affiliated with the Children’s Immunodeficiency Program or CHIP, based at the Denver Children’s Hospital. CHIP is one of TAB’s beneficiaries.)

Woodcut by Dieter Runge

In addition to Lentsch, among the other artists who have donated work are Dieter Runge, who has taught at Telluride’s Ah Haa School for the Arts. There is also a photograph of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show in 1959, shot by Michael Friedel, known as one of Germany’s best photo-journalists. (Friedel’s front-cover pictures of Sophia Loren in 1955 and Elvis Presley in 1966, were published in Stern magazine and Der Spiegel respectively.)

And Matt Lew returns to paint live at the auction, starting at 9:45 p.m.

A Chicago-based artist, Lew learned about TAB through Matt Hintermeister, who had seen his work years ago during Gay Ski Week.

Invoke, by Diana Stetson

“AIDS is about pain. Art is a release, a way to exorcise that pain, a way of staying healthy,” explained Lew.

Lew’s website says it all: his address is healingbyart.com. What does “painting with life force” mean?

“Everyone I meet is connected to Nature in some way. My connection is reinforced daily in my work: I mix my acrylics with water from all over the world: I paint with water from the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean, Lake Tahoe, Kauai waterfalls, and Lourdes, France. A couple once gave me holy water from their wedding to incorporate into their commission. I also introduce organic elements such as grass, lava rock, and beach sand into my canvasses. My goal is to create a living landscape that radiates good vibes. Strengthening positive elements in a room, as my paintings do, helps create a harmonious sanctuary that inspires health and well-being.”

“This is an auction where everyone can be a winner. Despite the real value of the pieces, artists allow us to start the bidding low so that every item finds a home,” said Baerbel. “The fact on the table is this: every piece donated to the TAB silent auction since the Benefit’s inception has sold. Let’s keep that winning streak going this year.”