BEAUTY OF THE MOVIES 1953

Oil on Canvas

This painting is a portrait of a 1950’s actress and singer called Ginny Simms. She was the sweetheart of ,many an American boy but had a tragic and sad life herself. The painting is one of female perfection of that era. Ivan identified with the life of Jenny Simms and it is said it reminded him of his lost love and wife Lilli. He had intended presenting this to Jenny but he loved the work so much, he kept it in prominent view until his death, perhaps a reminder of the love he had lost.

The attention to detail and the perfection of the work speaks volumes about the man’s artistic ability and his ability to make a work warm and inviting.

Viewing the Piece

When we look at perfection a little voice in our heads tells us that perfection in human form doesn’t really exist. It’s an illusion we gladly contribute to and seek. The viewer is invited to allow the work to come into your life. Imagine a time when beauty was all, Cleopatra and Helen of Troy.

The pose of Jenny in this work is emphasized in the extreme as if to say it is not really her. Similar to a Geisha, she is painted and preened to a level of artistic perfection and to a point that is unbelievable. We think Ivan was making a point, that we all seek perfection but only in a still life can it exist.