Splash, 10.10.08 Print

J. Steven Manolis (b. 1948–) J. Steven Manolis is an American abstract expressionist artist who paints in both watercolors and acrylics on canvas. He is known his for series paintings which emphasize communication through colors. He uses colors, geometrics, and other symbols to express his messages. His works are so unique that world renown art critics have provided him with unprecedented written acclaim. Donald Kuspit, credits Manolis with starting a new abstract movement which he coined the “Miami School of Abstract Expressionism,” and also states, “Indeed, Manolis’ color-saturated abstractions breathe fresh life–fresh feeling–into abstract expressionism... He’s a modern master...” J. Steven is a prodigious talent. A true master painter and master of color. I have known many artists, but no one with his drive, ability--creative capacity--and intelligence. And emotional honesty.” Additionally, Kuspit acclaims, “When it comes to Color, and the intellectual pursuit of ‘Communicating Through Color,’ Wassily Kandinsky’s long-awaited heir is J. Steven Manolis, whose works signal an ebullient 21st century renaissance of the long absent glories of Abstract Expressionism.” Anthony Haden-Guest writes, “Each and every piece generates an energy that is at once explosively physical and evidence of a sharp mind at work… like ‘The Birth of a World.” Bruce Helander (The Art Economist) writes, “It seems that everything positive is happening to Manolis, as his fast-paced profession skyrockets with accolades and prestigious exhibitions, gaining the thrust, inertia and power that correlates to a rocket ship taking off, he’s… ‘Rocket Man!’” Elizabeth Sobieski (Huffington Post) writes, “J. Steven Manolis is one of the foremost practitioners of AbEx today, his brilliant brushstrokes as bewitching as those of such forefathers and foremothers as Clyfford Still (originally from North Dakota), Morris Louis, Barnett Newman, Sam Francis, Joan Mitchell and Helen Frankenthaler.” Manolis painted for 30 years privately under the tutelage of the great artist and colorist, Wolf Kahn. In 2014, he decided to come out of hiding with his first solo art exhibition at the Chase Edwards Gallery in Bridgehampton, NY. Since then, he’s enjoyed a meteoric rise. In three years, he’s had two solo museum shows, 10 solo gallery exhibitions, and 8 group shows . Manolis has another museum show scheduled for 2019 and a joint show at The National Arts Club in NYC in October 2018.