Morty Dimondstein was a painter, sculptor, African arts dealer and teacher, who managed to garner much success in all four endeavors while traveling and studying with his chosen mentors, both in Mexico and Italy.
Committed to the arts, Dimondstein managed to create a haven for himself and fellow artists and students from the mid-century into the 1990s, working tirelessly in his studio. Whether painting, printmaking, sculpting or then one of the first to collect and sell African tribal arts, his appreciation of the aesthetic possibilities within the form, drew attention from many different avenues.
He studied art with David Alfaro Siqueiros (one of the three giants of Mexican muralists) as well as with Jose Gutierrez, during one of Mexico’s most creative times in the early 1950’s. Years later he went with his growing family to Italy and studied there as well before eventually landing back in Los Angeles.
I met Morty through his children and began modeling for him and his students and fellow artists where my taste for the smell of turpentine and oils began. It was certainly better than art school. I loved hearing him speak softly yet eloquently regarding form, color and portraiture – where he clearly excelled.
This particular piece is a wonderful example of Mid-Century art at its best, encompassing not only skill but also pathos and a clear vision of society and diversity at that moment in time.
More information coming later.
Measurements are 21 inches wide by 25 inches in height and 1 1/2 inches in depth.
