Judith Deim: Sarabande

In these, our contemporary times, when so much of life and art is driven by clever artifice, speed, and executed at a safe remove, Judith Deim's work stands out, stands apart, subjectively open, directly personal, generous without hesitation, and true. And what does it convey? Of what are we reminded by it? That the King alone could appreciate the words of the Fool; that there was real comfort and love and hope shared among family members huddled over a campfire while they moved by night, exiles all. That the laughter generated by the clown drew from a deep well of sorrow; that honored guests at the festive feast, entertained by musicians and dancers and adorned with exotic beasts, would later that same evening be served the severed head of John the Baptist, presented on a silver tray. We are reminded that life is fragile and fleeting, but that spirit is enduring and timeless. Judith Deim's body of work is but a phrase from the symphony of life. Individual paintings and drawings are seen and heard as notes from that musical score. And some, single flamenco turns in a dance of life and death during a deep-song Solearas that draws cries of "Ole!" from the crowd of gypsies gathered in the caves of Sacromonte.

John Gavin Writer, Collector, Curator Friend of the Artist and Producer of "Ghost Bird: The Life and Art of Judith Deim" NYC and SMA