Against the backdrop of the trendy Salomon Art Gallery in Tribeca, artist Don Hershman debuted his latest art exhibition, Donald & Victor: Under the Influence. The latest collection of work is really a fantastic and loving tribute to the late Victor Arimondi, renowned model, photographer and his former partner who succumbed to AIDS in 2001.
The opening reception was a smashing hit. While sipping sparkling wine, guests admired the new collection. The opening night just happened to coincide with new CDC guidelines that vaccinated people could return to normal activities. New York City felt magical again.
The exhibition features 20 new selected pieces from which Hershman painted between 2019 and 2021. Alongside his paintings are a selection of 38 photographs, taken by his late partner Arimondi between 1972 and 2001. While you’re checking out the exhibit, don’t miss the four photographs from Arimondi of which Hershman interpreted into his own paintings. This part of the collection is called the D & V Series. The connectivity is impassioned.
Hershman’s creative expression of his late partner’s work is sensuous, vibrant, captivating and skillful. I especially was fascinated by the Quarantine Series, which is a series of pieces in the collection that were masterfully created during the pandemic. Arimondi was extremely successful in his own right. He was a model appearing in prominent publications including Vogue and Esquire, and his photography is seductive. The merging of their art and talent seems to effortlessly align.
Born and raised in New York City, Don Hershman is both a talented artist and a renowned podiatric surgeon. The exhibit runs through May 14 – June 3, 2021 with viewings on Wednesdays through Saturdays 2pm – 6pm or by appointment. In addition, on May 22, 2021 at 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, there will be an Art Talk with guest speaker Adam Stoltman, a former New York Times and Time, Inc., photography editor, who will be in conversation with Hershman.
