Chuck Connelly Oct 10 - Nov 22, 2009

‘The Art of Chuck Connelly’, which includes over 35 recent paintings, follows the aftermath and ongoing re-emergence of Chuck Connelly eighteen months after the release of the 2008 HBO documentary ‘The Art of Failure; Chuck Connelly Not For Sale’.

Chuck Connelly burst onto the New York art scene in the 1980’s. He found himself compared to Van Gogh and his work was discussed in the same breath as that of his contemporaries Jean–Michel Basquiat and Julian Schnabel. His art is included in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was featured in Martin Scorcese’s New York Stories.

Following last years exhibit ‘The Art of Failure’ at New Arts Gallery, planning for a new exhibit began that would focus on Chuck Connelly on his own terms. Connelly began to create new paintings and took an active role in the planning and selection for this exhibition. These works are the world through Chuck Connelly’s eyes, through Connelly’s paint. This exhibit is Connelly unleashed.

This new exhibition would be titled, ‘The Art of Chuck Connelly”. ‘Failure’ was no longer appropriate, nor was it relevant. During the aftermath of the HBO documentary The Art of Failure, Connelly’s volatile career took many twists and turns. Old relationships ended new ones began.“The response to our first exhibit was phenomenal. Despite a sagging economy every painting in our 2008 exhibit sold and interest both in the US and abroad has remained very strong for Chuck’s work” states New Arts Gallery director Tony Carretta. Connelly once again is gaining public recognition and appreciation as the consummate painter. Connelly has stated, “I am not an artist I am a painter”.

New Arts Gallery is pleased to present this exhibition ‘The Art of Chuck Connelly’ and to be a part of the ongoing rediscovery and appreciation of a painter who many consider to be an American master. Uncompromised, raw Chuck Connelly.