Expressionist painter's works are set to dance

By STEPHANIE UJHELYI
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
ALMOST 30 YEARS AGO WHEN DIRECtor Paul Mazursky was working on his Oscar-nominated film, he looked to Youngstown-area artist Paul Jenkins for inspiration.
Now, the Ballet Western Reserve and the Butler Institute of American Art are also looking to the expressionist painter for inspiration for an "Evening of Dance" at the Butler, March 2 and 3.
Michael Morley, a Butler trustee and the event's master of ceremonies, called Jenkins, a Struthers High School graduate, a legendary figure in American art history.
Morley explained it was this status that drew Mazursky, who was writing and directing his film "An Unmarried Woman," to pattern the artist after Jenkins.
Representation
As Dr. Louis A. Zona, director of the Butler, explained that the paintings of Jenkins have come to represent the spirit, vitality and invention of post-World War II American abstraction.
An ongoing interest in Eastern religions and philosophy, the study of the I Ching, along with the writings of Carl Jung prompted Jenkins' turn toward inward reflection and mysticism that have dominated his aesthetic as well as his life.
Anita Lin, artistic director at the Ballet Western Reserve, said Jenkins was touched and excited to hear that the event was in honor of his artwork.
Jenkins used to visit the New York studio of Martha Graham, one of the nation's most prominent modern dance coordinators, and paint her dancers. He loved the movements associated with dance, said Lin.
The Butler and BWR began this program a decade ago.
This year, seven Jenkins paintings from the Butler's permanent collection will be interpreted through ballet, modern dance, tap and hip-hop.
Greater focus
The ballet at the Butler didn't always focus on one artist.
Last year was the first time the event celebrated the work of one artist. Sadly, watercolorist Chen Chi passed away and was unable to attend the event as he had initially planned.
Lin choreographed two pieces in this year's celebration: "Phenomena Panning Gold" and "Phenomena Phoenix Overhead."
"Gold" is a soft work with subtle gold arcs almost like a harp, and is atypical for the painter. The result is perhaps the softest piece of the evening.
In "Phoenix," paint flies across the canvas in typical Jenkins fashion. "That is what I see visually. All choreographers see movement when we look at his paintings. This painting was striking and surprising," she said.
Guest choreographer Karl von Rabenau of the Milwaukee Ballet School set one of Jenkins' most famous pieces, "Side of St. George," to Vivaldi. The painting has a lot of arcing in it, resulting in complete and utter nonstop movement. Lin said the painting is almost like a good versus evil: There are a lot of slashing movements with arms and legs pulled into this piece.
The Archangels company also worked on a hip-hop collaborative work based on "Phenomena Windjammer Windbreak" to music by the Dhol Foundation, an Indian drumming group. It is choreographed by Karen Clark Green.
"I don't think the audience will be able to distinguish between both companies, because it is a wonderful blend of the movement," Lin said.
Karen Westerfield, Jackie Cunningham and Jennifer Pirtz also choreographed works for the presentation.
Morley said he is unaware of any other such collaborations between dance and an art museum. It is always sold out. "I think people honestly walk out and think, 'that is really cool.' I really look forward to seeing the eyes of the artist as he watches his paintings brought to life," Morley said.
Tickets are available until Feb. 25 through the Ballet Western Reserve. Cost is 35 per person and 15 for students ( 4 handling per order). The cost of the ticket includes both
the strolling cocktail party and the performance. Call (330) 744-1934.