SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- Paul Thiebaud Gallery opened the exhibition Twenty-Five Treasures yesterday. This signature series, originated in 1990 by gallery founder Paul LeBaron Thiebaud (1960-2010), brings together works by 25 artists and makers from a wide range of backgrounds. The 14th edition mixes together paintings, sculpture, and works on paper by 20th century masters; contemporary American artists; African, pre-Columbian, and 19th century Mexican folk art; and 21st century industrial design. The exhibition will be on view through August 19, 2023.

While not curated around a specific theme, the show unites 25 works of art and cultural objects that can be qualitatively viewed as exceptional or extraordinary. The works on view span over a thousand years of history, diverse civilizations on three continents, and give viewers the feeling of peering into the private collection of an individual.

This year’s presentation includes an expansive selection of modern masters from California. Among these are signature early paintings by Richard Diebenkorn and Wayne Thiebaud; Joan Brown’s New Year’s Eve Dance #1; a 1958 figurative watercolor by Manuel Neri; a 1990 drawing of a sailing ship in a sculptural frame by Roy De Forest; and a large abstracted Japanese rock garden painting by Arthur Okamura. Also representing the California masters are a polychrome steel sculpture by Robert Hudson; an iconic ceramic stack by Peter Voulkos; Robert Arneson’s humorous ceramic and concrete sculpture Raft of the Quack Quack; and a classic seated figure by Richard Shaw made of found objects that have been cast in porcelain before being assembled.

The exhibition will also feature the works of several artists long represented by the gallery. Among these are a cigar box painting by Ed Musante; a narrow vertical painting of San Francisco Bay by Eileen David; John Santoro’s abstract triptych painting Hong Kong Thunderstorms: Amber Rain, Red Rain, Black Rain; a masterful sanguine Conté drawing by Fred Dalkey; a moody landscape by Pam Sheehan; an evocative watercolor and gouache painting by Suong Yangchareon; and David Fertig’s large pastel After Gilbert Stuart. Making their gallery debuts are a monumental, 33-part drawing by David Wilson; Chris Thorson’s tour-de-force trompe l’oeil sculpture Boxed in (Oceano); and a large cyanotype printed quilt by Andrew Wilson. As is a trademark of this recurring show, those looking for the offbeat will discover the inclusion of a customized Firmstrong bicycle. These works will comingle with Bambara (Bamana of Mali) and Chancay Culture sculptures; a 19th century retablo painting from Mexico; and a 1937 drawing of a bull fight by the American painter John Graham, creating a dialogue not often seen in a gallery setting.

Additional artists include Robert Arneson, Joan Brown, Fred Dalkey, Eileen David, Roy De Forest, Richard Diebenkorn, David Fertig, John Graham, Robert Hudson, Ed Musante, Manuel Neri, Arthur Okamura, John Santoro, Richard Shaw, Pam Sheehan, Wayne Thiebaud, Chris Thorson, Peter Voulkos, Andrew Wilson, David Wilson, Suong Yangchareon, Bambara (Bamana of Mali), Chancay Culture, Firmstrong Bikes, Inc., and Anonymous.

Paul Thiebaud Gallery
Twenty-Five Treasures
July 8th, 2023 - August 19th, 2023