ITALY EARLY AND LATE. An exhibition of paintings by Peter Ruta

The artist in conversation with Ara Merjian (NYU). On view through February 27, 2015 - Mon-Fri 10-5. Casa Zerilli marimò

Peter Ruta is known in the US for his mature work: New York cityscapes and rugged western landscapes, but from 1947 to 1962, moving between Rome Venice Naples and Positano he produced a steady stream of small, intimate paintings - buttoned up portraits, frugal still life, sideways street views – that powerfully evoke the long gone life of postwar Italy.

Italian and German museums have rediscovered this work lately, but this is New York's first chance in half a century to see Ruta's eerily quiet, almost metaphysical early paintings, along with a group of large, exuberant 21st century Italian landscapes completed in just the last three years, by this vital artist, who turns 97 in February. Ruta will be present at the opening to reminisce wih NYU Art History professor Ara Merjian about his deep connection with Italy and Italian artists of his generation.

Source: Casa Zerilli Marimò