What Was He Thinking? JAN BALET: Watercolors & Lithographs

December 1, 2017 - January 14, 2018

Adam and Eve, 1979, lithograph, 23 3/4” x 18” Jan Balet 1913 - 2009

ARTREACH GALLERY at First Congregational UCC 1126 SW Park Ave Portland, OR uccportland.org/artreach [email protected]

debut a very fine selection of Jan Balet’s art. It marks the 105th year of his birth. his of year 105th the marks It art. Balet’s Jan of selection fine very a debut

creative process. Now we are pleased with this collaboration that enables us to to us enables that collaboration this with pleased are we Now process. creative

which were studies for lithographs he subsequently created, makes evident his his evident makes created, subsequently he lithographs for studies were which

which Jan Balet so deftly imbued his art; our collection of watercolors, many of of many watercolors, of collection our art; his imbued deftly so Balet Jan which

exhibition developed. Paolercio’s collection highlights the wit and wisdom with with wisdom and wit the highlights collection Paolercio’s developed. exhibition

He told us of his collection of lithographs. From the discussions that ensued, this this ensued, that discussions the From lithographs. of collection his of us told He

collector, Michael Paolercio, saw our newly launched web site and contacted us. us. contacted and site web launched newly our saw Paolercio, Michael collector,

, nd. watercolor, 3” x 2” x 3” watercolor, nd. , Wheelbarrow a on Cat Balet’s art. Because of our good fortune this exhibition has taken shape. An art art An shape. taken has exhibition this fortune good our of Because art. Balet’s

It was serendipity that our web site put us in touch with collectors of Jan Jan of collectors with touch in us put site web our that serendipity was It

discovering his unique style, and to delight in his images. his in delight to and style, unique his discovering

to enable them to see his expansive body of work, to take pleasure in in pleasure take to work, of body expansive his see to them enable to

expand interest in and knowledge of his works, to invite viewers into his world, world, his into viewers invite to works, his of knowledge and in interest expand

lovers to explore the world of my father. We created a web site, janbalet.com, to to janbalet.com, site, web a created We father. my of world the explore to lovers

In this spirit we commenced setting the stage for future artists and art art and artists future for stage the setting commenced we spirit this In

known. We wanted to have other art lovers know and appreciate Jan Balet’s creativity. Balet’s Jan appreciate and know lovers art other have to wanted We known.

and we began to explore possibilities of sharing it in this country where it has been little little been has it where country this in it sharing of possibilities explore to began we and

thinking about the larger significance of this collection. It suddenly became a part of our life life our of part a became suddenly It collection. this of significance larger the about thinking

At his death in 2009, I inherited much of his art. It was then that we started started we that then was It art. his of much inherited I 2009, in death his At

fascination with human nature and feelings. feelings. and nature human with fascination

enduring charm and zest for living. He created visual essays that celebrate his own own his celebrate that essays visual created He living. for zest and charm enduring

and women--and children--with all of their foibles, but most of all with their their with all of most but foibles, their of all children--with women--and and

insightful. Each piece showed his perception of what it means to be human: men men human: be to means it what of perception his showed piece Each insightful.

and illustrating children’s books, painting, or making lithographs, Jan Balet was was Balet Jan lithographs, making or painting, books, children’s illustrating and

began to appreciate more fully his work as an artist. Whether sketching, authoring authoring sketching, Whether artist. an as work his fully more appreciate to began

Jan every year. It was during this time that we were able to reconnect and we we and reconnect to able were we that time this during was It year. every Jan

Beginning in 1994, my wife Marie and I traveled to Switzerland to visit visit to Switzerland to traveled I and Marie wife my 1994, in Beginning

or produced a lithograph, I would receive a copy in the mail. mail. the in copy a receive would I lithograph, a produced or

overseas travel. However, whenever my father published another children’s book book children’s another published father my whenever However, travel. overseas

and raised a family; our children were grown before job constraints permitted permitted constraints job before grown were children our family; a raised and

letters at Christmas and birthdays, but I did not see him again until after I married married I after until again him see not did I but birthdays, and Christmas at letters

writing and illustrating children’s books. Communication with him continued via via continued him with Communication books. children’s illustrating and writing

the commercial world and began to devote himself to painting, lithography, and and lithography, painting, to himself devote to began and world commercial the

My father left the United States and returned to Europe in 1965. He quit quit He 1965. in Europe to returned and States United the left father My

with a hand-drawn face on the inside cover. inside the on face hand-drawn a with

with the inscription “To Peter from Daddy” -- and and -- Daddy” from Peter “To inscription the with Moon the and Amos mail the

delighted when he wrote and illustrated his first children’s book and I received in in received I and book children’s first his illustrated and wrote he when delighted

magazines, although by my teenage years I collected them. I was a child, child, a was I them. collected I years teenage my by although magazines,

my father was an emergent artist who illustrated advertisements for all the leading leading the all for advertisements illustrated who artist emergent an was father my

airport where my mother and I picked him up. Little did I know at that time that that time that at know I did Little up. him picked I and mother my where airport

my father flying over my house and dropping a ball before landing at the nearby nearby the at landing before ball a dropping and house my over flying father my

NY, and I upstate. But there were frequent visits. On one occasion, I remember remember I occasion, one On visits. frequent were there But upstate. I and NY,

During my childhood and teenage years, my father lived in Long Island, Island, Long in lived father my years, teenage and childhood my During

JAN BALET: A Personal Reflection by Peter Balet Peter by Reflection Personal A BALET: JAN

Untitled (horse rider). Watercolor, 3 1/4” x 5”. Untitled (tiger on ball). Watercolor, 3 1/4” x 5”. Trompeten solo (Trompet solo). Watercolor, 5 1/2” x 5 1/2”. “Jackson” – der fahrad clown (“Jackson” – the bicycle clown). Watercolor, 5 5/8” x 4 5/8”. Weihnachten im Venedig (Christmas in Venice). Watercolor, 5 7/8” x 5 3/8”. Geigensolo (Violin solo). Watercolor, 5 1/2” x 4 1/2” Narr im Trauer (Jester in Mourning). Watercolor, 6 1/8” x 5” Untitled (cat on wheelbarrow). Watercolor, 5” x 3 1/4”. Untitled (cat with chairs). Transfer on vellum, 7” x 6”. Untitled (cat family). watercolor, 3 3/8” x 2 3/4”. Untitled (cat under table). Watercolor, 3” x 2 3/8”. Untitled (cat straining). Watercolor, 3 1/2” x 2 3/4”.

Untitled (cat group). Watercolor, 3 7/8” x 2 7/8”. Hamlet and Ophelia. Watercolor, 8 ½" x 6 ⅞". Hamlet and Ophelia. Lithograph, XVIII/XXXX, 8 ¾" x 7 ¼". Leda and Mr. Swan. Watercolor, 8 ½" x 6 ⅞". Leda and Mr. Swan. Lithograph, XX/XXXX, 8 ¾" x 7 ¼". Romeo and Julia. Watercolor, 8 ½" x 6 ⅞". Jan Balet with Accordion in Studio

Romeo and Juliet. Lithograph, XIII/XXXX, 8 ¾" x 7 ¼".

Collection: Anonymous

Abélard & Héloïse. Lithograph , XVII/XXX, 8 ¾" x 7 ¼". Godot und der Heilige Geister (Godot and the Holy Ghosts). Acrylic on board, 13 ⅜" x 17 ⅜"

Godot stands waiting with his hands his with waiting stands Godot

. Here Here . Ghosts Holy the and Godot painting

Untitled (lion tamer). Watercolor, 3 1/4” x 5”. x 1/4” 3 Watercolor, tamer). (lion Untitled on this play’s reference to time with his own own his with time to reference play’s this on

. Balet comments comments Balet . Godot for Waiting play,

Godot and the Holy Ghosts Holy the and Godot

). Watercolor, 2 1/2” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 1/2” 2 Watercolor, ). Wire High ( Hochseil time being consumed, as in Beckett’s Beckett’s in as consumed, being time

Balet also plays with a notion of of notion a with plays also Balet

Untitled (bicycle on wire). Watercolor, 3 1/4” x 5”. x 1/4” 3 Watercolor, wire). on (bicycle Untitled

discussion. discussion.

will, humor, and an invitation to to invitation an and humor, will,

Untitled (trapeze). Watercolor, 5” z 3 1/4”. 3 z 5” Watercolor, (trapeze). Untitled

from each of these with a spirit of good good of spirit a with these of each from

Untitled (KANE). Watercolor, 5” x 3 1/4”. 3 x 5” Watercolor, (KANE). Untitled and togetherness. He depicts moments moments depicts He togetherness. and

marriage, sexual encounters, aloneness aloneness encounters, sexual marriage,

). Watercolor, 3 1/8” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 1/8” 3 Watercolor, ). rein ( Godot

relationships is one of them: family life, life, family them: of one is relationships

decisions. The variety of personal personal of variety The decisions. ). Watercolor, 3 1/8” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 1/8” 3 Watercolor, ). Godot for Waiting ( Godot auf Warten

encompasses a wide spectrum of life life of spectrum wide a encompasses

(clothed). Watercolor, 3” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 3” Watercolor, (clothed). Godot Jan Balet’s focus on time time on focus Balet’s Jan

acknowledge life as the durable arena in which decisions are made. made. are decisions which in arena durable the as life acknowledge

Untitled (birds in flight). Watercolor, 2 7/8” x 3 3/8”. 3 x 7/8” 2 Watercolor, flight). in (birds Untitled

story to emphasize his interest in time, capturing a moment as if to to if as moment a capturing time, in interest his emphasize to story

. (nude with arms raised). Watercolor, 3” x 3 1/2”. 1/2”. 3 x 3” Watercolor, raised). arms with (nude . Godot the chooses however, Balet, responsibility. ethical human and sexuality upon

. The usual interpretation of this biblical story expounds expounds story biblical this of interpretation usual The . time of measurement

). Watercolor, 2 3/8” x 3 3/8”. 3 x 3/8” 2 Watercolor, ). Protected Legally ( geschützt Gesetzlich

whose name means “life,” removes the fruit and reveals a clock, our great great our clock, a reveals and fruit the removes “life,” means name whose

Eve standing on either side of the Tree of Knowledge (see cover). Eve, Eve, cover). (see Knowledge of Tree the of side either on standing Eve

). Watercolor, 3 1/8” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 1/8” 3 Watercolor, ). Hunting Dream ( jagd Traum

A mark of this personal genesis is Balet’s lithograph of Adam and and Adam of lithograph Balet’s is genesis personal this of mark A

Untitled (love is blind). Watercolor, 3 1/2” x 2 3/4”. 2 x 1/2” 3 Watercolor, blind). is (love Untitled challenge. the of

shaped his mind throughout his early adult years. He proved himself worthy worthy himself proved He years. adult early his throughout mind his shaped

Time on Your Hand. Drawing, 3 1/2” x 2 7/8”. 2 x 1/2” 3 Drawing, Hand. Your on Time

observations of his childhood and to the mode of creative expression that had had that expression creative of mode the to and childhood his of observations

his life anew as an artist. Perhaps he felt a need to refocus on the the on refocus to need a felt he Perhaps artist. an as anew life his ). Drawing, 3 1/2” x 2 7/8”. 2 x 1/2” 3 Drawing, ). Times Primeval ( Urzeit

world of the big city to return to Germany, where in 1967 he literally started started literally he 1967 in where Germany, to return to city big the of world

). Watercolor, 2 5/8” x 3 3/8”. 3 x 5/8” 2 Watercolor, ). wasted Time ( perdu Temps But then time came for a shift in life; he left the high power work work power high the left he life; in shift a for came time then But

his field in the magazine world. world. magazine the in field his

Watercolor, 3” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 3” Watercolor, active work in New York City, where he rose quickly to the highest level of of level highest the to quickly rose he where City, York New in work active

). Seine the on Bridge the at Sunday ( Pont-sur-Seine a Dimanche begin life in America. The late 1930s through the 1960s were years of very very of years were 1960s the through 1930s late The America. in life begin

him skills sufficient to sneak out of Hitler’s army in a timely manner and to to and manner timely a in army Hitler’s of out sneak to sufficient skills him

Untitled (boy with hoop). Watercolor, 3 1/2” x 4 3/8”. 4 x 1/2” 3 Watercolor, hoop). with (boy Untitled

and adventures. His difficulties with an authoritarian education system gave gave system education authoritarian an with difficulties His adventures. and

him the opportunity to develop careful attention to childhood observations observations childhood to attention careful develop to opportunity the him Pen & Ink on paper, 8” x 11 3/4”. 11 x 8” paper, on Ink & Pen drawings). 12 of (sheet Untitled

The first years of his life were full of private experiences that gave gave that experiences private of full were life his of years first The

). Watercolor, 3” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 3” Watercolor, ). Uniform Guard Coast ( uniform Küstenwache and to his last years dedicated to creating art. creating to dedicated years last his to and

was to him personally personally him to was time important how realize to is life his on reflection

W . ” 2 / 1 3 x ” 3 , r o l o c r e t Wa

final forty years belonged to Europe - Germany, France and Switzerland. A A Switzerland. and France Germany, - Europe to belonged years forty final

). ). Cloud America” Bless “God The ( Wolke America” bless “God Die

major contribution to the world of advertisement were in America. But his his But America. in were advertisement of world the to contribution major

Jan Balet’s birth and education were German: his first career and and career first his German: were education and birth Balet’s Jan Untitled (bicycle against wall). Watercolor, 2 3/4” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 3/4” 2 Watercolor, wall). against (bicycle Untitled

). Watercolor, 2 3/4” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 3/4” 2 Watercolor, ). Words Winged ( worte Geflügelte -- Herakleitos (540 - 480 BCE) 480 - (540 Herakleitos --

. . world the in power man’s of majesty whole the is child that and

. Watercolor, 2 3/4” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 3/4” 2 Watercolor, . Team The

sea; the by sand-castle a building child a is Time

Untitled (bicycle in city). Watercolor, 2 34” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 34” 2 Watercolor, city). in (bicycle Untitled

TIME in the Art of Jan Balet Jan of Art the in TIME Untitled (bicycle beside lovers). Watercolor, 2 3/4” x 3 1/2”. 3 x 3/4” 2 Watercolor, lovers). beside (bicycle Untitled Pain (Bread), 1986. Lithograph, 2/300, 19 ½" x 23 ⅜". waving in the air; the holy ghosts all fly past him down another corridor. They never connect. Godot never gets the directions to meet the men who Paradise Junction, 1986. Lithograph, 135/300, 19 ¾" x 27 ⅝". wait for him. Time-full moments also hint at time- Who Says You Can’t Change Your Mind, 1986. Lithograph, 58/300, 19 ⅝" x 23 ⅝". less moments for Balet--those known in fishing or falling in love, in waiting by the Busy, Busy, 1987. Lithograph, 52/300, 19 ½" x 23 ⅝". river or getting lost in some game or posing for a family portrait for the sake of posterity. Osteria Italiana, 1987. Lithograph, 225/300, 19 ½” x 27 ½”. This is “now,” when one is unaware of the Second Honeymoon, 1988. Lithograph, 249/300, 15 ⅝" x 19 ⅝". ticks of the clock. The ancient Greek philosopher Herakleitos said that “Time is a The Butterfly Collector, 1988. Lithograph, 205/300, 19 ⅝" x 23 ½". child building a sand-castle by the sea.” Such child’s play is a timeless act in which even the Lonely Childhood Bang, Bang - Big Shot, 1989. Lithograph, 98/100, 19 ⅝" x 23 ⅝". entropic forces are all part of the game. But the child’s play is also the artist’s work. As Balet Love Makes You Blind, 1989. Lithograph, 203/300, 19 ⅝" x 23 ⅝". created images of one human experience after another, his art fully enveloped him. He became the child at play, no matter what image he was making. Tandem d’amour, 1989. Lithograph, 179/300, 19 ⅝" x 27 ½". Dreams are another way in which Winter in Venice, 1989. Lithograph, 6/300, 19 ½" x 27 ½". Balet considered time. He often depicted dream-like fantasies, surreal worlds of “alas” Chamber Music, 1990. Lithograph, 82/300, 15 ¾" x 19 ⅝". or of “if only,” the latter as in Butterfly Collector, where two lovers float between Ham and Ophy, 1990. Lithograph, 226/300, 19 ½" x 23 ⅝". moon and earth. Jan Balet made art, and he also made To the Left You See the White House, 1990. Lithograph, 265/300, 19 ½" x 25 ½". music. He played the accordion, making lively music with rapid rhythms. It is well- Collection: Peter & Marie Balet known that the timings of music are important because they give shape to the Butterfly Collector sound. He made time for music for the joy it An Elevating Experience. Acrylic on board, 22 ½” x 19 ¼”. brought other people, the very reason he painted as Rites of Spring. Acrylic on board, 19 ¼”x 23” well. Pocket billiard. Watercolor, 3” x 3 1/2”. Finally, a note on the synchronicity of this exhibition. Time on the internet drew the attention of Balet collector Michael Paolercio to the Balet Untitled (Bang, Bang). Watercolor, 2 3/4” x 3 1/2” website; that connection began the interaction between Paolercio and Marie Untitled (Ice man). Watercolor, 3” x 5”. and Peter Balet; their conversations made this moment the right time for this show. Indeed we now have the time and possibility to give our attention to Expedition Heimkehr – Stückbut (Homecoming – General Cargo). what the art will stimulate in us. Watercolor, 2 1/2” x 3 1/2”. -- Sheldon Hurst, Curator Untitled (an elevating experience). Watercolor, 3 1/2” x 2 7/8”. And over here you see…. Watercolor, 3 1/2” x 2 3/4”. Etre à l’ heure (To be on Time). Watercolor, 2 1/2” x 3 3/4”. Herakleitos and Diogenes. Trans. Guy Davenport, Eugene, OR, Wipf & Stock, 1979/2010. Untitled (bicycle by the river). Watercolor, 2 5/8” x 4”.

”. ”. ½ 23 x ” ⅜ 19 49/300, Lithograph,

, 1986. , Lonely Childhood Lonely

". ⅝ 23 x " ⅝ 19 178/300, Lithograph,

, 1986. , Fancy People Fancy litho. litho.

whatever you want! I might add that my wife has a very different take on this this on take different very a has wife my that add might I want! you whatever

". ⅝ 23 x " ½ 19 272/300, Lithograph,

, 1986. , By the Sea, By the Sea the By Sea, the By workers? The Loch Ness Monster? Permission is granted to imagine imagine to granted is Permission Monster? Ness Loch The workers?

Volleyball? Swimmers? A romantically engaged couple? Construction Construction couple? engaged romantically A Swimmers? Volleyball?

". ½ 27 x " ½ 19 197/300, Lithograph,

, 1986. , Café de Paris de Café

A calm and peaceful sea? A roiling high tide? A game of horseshoes? horseshoes? of game A tide? high roiling A sea? peaceful and calm A

obvious question is: What can they possibly be so interested in down there? there? down in interested so be possibly they can What is: question obvious

". ½ 23 x " ½ 19 13/60, Lithograph,

, c.1985. , Time for a Beer a for Time

MP: Perhaps it is a reminder about how vast our curiosity can be. The The be. can curiosity our vast how about reminder a is it Perhaps MP:

". ⅝ " x 23 23 x " ½ 19 33/300, Lithograph,

, 1985. , Rites of Spring of Rites

with that image? that with

". ⅝ 23 x " ⅜ 19 III/XXX, Lithograph,

, 1985. , ’MUSEMENT PARK ’MUSEMENT comment about our sense of curiosity. What thoughts come to your mind mind your to come thoughts What curiosity. of sense our about comment

, Balet seems to be making a a making be to seems Balet , By the Sea, By the Sea the By Sea, the By SH: In a work like like work a In SH:

". ⅝ 20 x " ⅞ 16 93/300, Lithograph,

, c.1985. c.1985. , Family Picnic Family

aloft as they fly. So perhaps it is the butterfly herself who is the collector! collector! the is who herself butterfly the is it perhaps So fly. they as aloft

". ½ " x 19 19 x " ⅝ 23 23 Lithograph, 54/300, 54/300, Lithograph,

, 1985. , An Elevating Experience Elevating An

the wide-eyed red head (another typical presence in Balet’s art) holds him him holds art) Balet’s in presence typical (another head red wide-eyed the

lovely lady. But look closely! His eyes are closed--in bliss or in death?--while death?--while in or bliss closed--in are eyes His closely! look But lady. lovely

". ⅝ 11 x " ¾ 15 127/300, Lithograph,

, 1984. , Herald Tribune Herald

It’s obvious to imagine the gentleman as the collector who has “pinned” the the “pinned” has who collector the as gentleman the imagine to obvious It’s

collection, butterfly collectors catch, then pin, a species to a paper or board. board. or paper a to species a pin, then catch, collectors butterfly collection,

”. ½ 15 x ” ½ 11 LXXXV/CXL, Lithograph,

above the signature trees below. The title is intriguing. To add to their their to add To intriguing. is title The below. trees signature the above

), 1979. ), Aus dem Auge Aus dem Sinn dem Aus Auge dem Aus ( When the Cat’s Away the Mice Will Play Will Mice the Away Cat’s the When

vivid, sharp and striking. The fancily-dressed couple floats surrealistically surrealistically floats couple fancily-dressed The striking. and sharp vivid,

attention (and affection) immediately. The colors and lines are particularly particularly are lines and colors The immediately. affection) (and attention

”. ⅝ 23 x ” ⅜ 19 162/200, Lithograph,

), 1979. ), ommerkater

(S Summer Cat Summer

of our Balet lithographs. Arguably his most well-known work, it caught my my caught it work, well-known most his Arguably lithographs. Balet our of

on the internet, the source of almost all all almost of source the internet, the on

The Butterfly Collector Butterfly The MP: We found found We MP: ". ⅜ 15 x " ⅜ 11 67/200, Lithograph,

, 1979. , Small Presents Preserve a Friendship a Preserve Presents Small

". ½ 15 x " ½ 11 3/200, Lithograph,

, 1979. , Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Warm Hands, Cold circumstances of your purchase of this piece? piece? this of purchase your of circumstances

(# 14), the one with lovers floating in the sky. What are the the are What sky. the in floating lovers with one the 14), (# Collector Collector

” x 18”. x ” ¾ 23 4/140, Lithograph,

), 1979. ), Birth of Time of Birth ( Adam and Eve and Adam The Butterfly Butterfly The works you collected. Tell me about your response to to response your about me Tell collected. you works

SH: That particular interpretation of life is something evident in other other in evident something is life of interpretation particular That SH:

Lithograph, 195/300, 24” x 18”. x 24” 195/300, Lithograph,

), 1978. ), Metropolitain ( Orphée

loved his work! work! his loved

". ¼ 29 x " ¼ 24 46/300, Lithograph,

, 1978. ,

Market Day in Normandy in Day Market

humor. All this was seemingly with no pretense whatsoever. It just felt like he he like felt just It whatsoever. pretense no with seemingly was this All humor.

appreciated his keenly observant, wry, whimsical and insightful sense of of sense insightful and whimsical wry, observant, keenly his appreciated 16". ⅟ Lithograph, 298/300, 24" x 18 18 x 24" 298/300, Lithograph,

), 1978. ), Senator ( Choisir la Victoire la Choisir

found a kindred spirit in his perceptions of the world and our species. I I species. our and world the of perceptions his in spirit kindred a found

It felt as though I had had I though as felt It Who Says You Can't Change Your Mind? Your Change Can't You Says Who painting painting ". ¾ 13 x " ¼ 18 289/300, Lithograph,

), 1977. ), Cirque ( Grand Numéro Grand

wandered into a Circle Gallery. I was immediately smitten by Jan Balet's Balet's Jan by smitten immediately was I Gallery. Circle a into wandered

”. ½ 20 x 17” 251/300, Lithograph,

, 1978. , Fisherman The The parents, both art lovers, took us to SoHo to walk the art galleries. We We galleries. art the walk to SoHo to us took lovers, art both parents,

MP: While we were visiting Alison's family in Queens in the mid-eighties, her her mid-eighties, the in Queens in family Alison's visiting were we While MP:

”. 16 / ” x 17 17 x ” ⅜ 13

Lithograph, 14/300, 14/300, Lithograph,

, nd. , Epicerie Parisienne Epicerie 11

SH: How did you begin collecting work by Jan Balet? Jan by work collecting begin you did How SH:

Collection: Michael & Alison Paolercio Alison & Michael Collection:

Michael Paolercio, Collector Sheldon Hurst, Curator Hurst, Sheldon Collector Paolercio, Michael

CHECKLIST AN INTERVIEW WITH THE COLLECTOR THE WITH INTERVIEW AN JAN BALET: COLLECTIONS Alison recalls the old song: “By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea, you and me, you and me, oh how happy we’ll be.” No one looks very happy and everyone appears very isolated! So this is possibly a rather cynical comment MUSEUMS on marriage and family life. Germany 1964 Städtische Galerie, Munich. SH: In our contemporary world, To the Left You See The White House 1965 Stadtmuseum, Munich. might invite some different understanding than was meant in 1990 when 1969 Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen, Munich. Balet created it. What do you think about that now? 1975 Kunsthalle, Bremen. 1982 Fleischermuseum, Böblingen. MP: This lithograph depicts an open vehicle packed with tourists. The White 1983 Museum Langenargen, Langenargen. House can be seen on the left, as the tour guide points out. But heads are 1983 Regierungspäsidium, Tübingen. turned and eyes are focused toward the other direction, in apparent 1983 Stadt Bodenseemuseum, Friedrichshafen. disinterest. 1983 Landratsamt Bodenseekreis, Friedrichshafen. 1984 Valentin Museum, Munich. It isn’t very difficult to see this as a metaphor for today’s political crisis. 1994 Zeppelin-Museum, Friedrichshafen. Given our choices in the last election, the wise among us advised we look left and presumed we would. But like the people in the tour bus, the electoral Switzerland college looked right when the ballots were tallied. In addition, one could 1999 Centre International de L’Art Fantastique, Gruyere. suspect that a busload of Washington tourists might avert their eyes when passing the White House today--in denial, shame, or despair! United States 1972 Sidney Janis Gallery, New York. SH: You collected these works with one interest, your own private 2013 National Museum of American Illustration, Newport, Rhode appreciation. What do you consider to be the importance now in sharing Island. these images with a wider public? What do you want people to experience? PRIVATE Extensive private collection throughout Europe and the United States. MP: Jan Balet once had a noted presence here in the States, one that was well-deserved. I have collected his work not as an investment, but to preserve something I believe is valuable. It is an honor to try and reacquaint America with his artistic insights. I would like people to again experience and appreciate his skill, work ethic, humor, and humility. I believe that he always worked tongue-in-cheek, with a view of human nature that was unique and FURTHER INFORMATION timeless--as applicable today as then. He was without arrogance and never took himself too seriously. WEBSITE janbalet.com Extensive bibliography, images, articles, reflections SH: Have you ever thought about particular places any of your collected BOOK JAN BALET: An Inspired Life. Available January 2018. works ought to be placed? Essays by Sheldon Hurst, Norm Taber, and Di Kivi. Extensive information and biographical information. MP: Sure!! This is a fun question and I’m sure Alison will have many better EXHIBITIONS This exhibition is scheduled to travel to State ideas than I do... University of New York for two exhibitions in 2018: SUNY Plattsbugh: February 12 - March 16 Tandem d’ amour and ‘MUSEMENT PARK might go in a rustic lodge SUNY Adirondack: September 4 - November 3 where there are mountain biking trails, or in some bicycle shop. The image could be a “suggestion” to guests or customers for what their options are while bicycling. 1982 Jan Balet: Una Fantasia sin Limite. Contini

. Zeppelin Museum, Friedrichshafen, Germany. Friedrichshafen, Museum, Zeppelin . Luftkunst 2011

he would add. would he

Städtische Galerie, Bad Saulgau, Germany. Saulgau, Bad Galerie, Städtische

human beings, because they’re all different.” And yet all the same, I believe believe I same, the all yet And different.” all they’re because beings, human

Hurm. Karl Epple, Bruno Balet, Jan Dreiklang: Naiver 2008

us not to take ourselves too seriously. He said, “Cats are exactly the same as as same the exactly are “Cats said, He seriously. too ourselves take to not us

Switzerland. Switzerland.

experiencing while commenting on our foibles and frailties and admonishing admonishing and frailties and foibles our on commenting while experiencing

Kunstsalon Wolfsberg, Zurich, Zurich, Wolfsberg, Kunstsalon Nächtlich. – Ruhig – Still 2000

looking at. He affectionately reminds us of the variety of our human human our of variety the of us reminds affectionately He at. looking

Kunstsalon Wolfsberg, Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich, Wolfsberg, Kunstsalon Aquarelle. 1998

depicted. You find yourself experiencing and thinking about what you’re you’re what about thinking and experiencing yourself find You depicted.

Stadtmuseum Linz-Nordico, Linz, Austria. Linz, Linz-Nordico, Stadtmuseum

invite you to dwell for a minute in a simple scenario that is very charmingly charmingly very is that scenario simple a in minute a for dwell to you invite

. Naiven-Ausstellung Internationale

work is pure and seemingly uncomplicated: colors, lines, people, settings settings people, lines, colors, uncomplicated: seemingly and pure is work

Sydney. Inter-Continental. Hotel Fair, Print Master International

understand), is a perfect example of what Jan was NOT thinking about. His His about. thinking NOT was Jan what of example perfect a is understand),

represented by Beth Hamilton Galleries. Galleries. Hamilton Beth by represented Balet Jan 1990

This assessment, (obviously in the English language but of a lexicon I do not not do I lexicon a of but language English the in (obviously assessment, This

Hotel de Ville de Bruxelles, Brussels, Netherlands, Netherlands, Brussels, Bruxelles, de Ville de Hotel

. . Boyadjian N. Dr. of Collection

raw existentialism.” raw

Les Naïfs: Connus, Méconnus et Inconnus d’un Collectionneur Collectionneur d’un Inconnus et Méconnus Connus, Naïfs: Les 1988

The artist is saying our psyche is at stake when we strip our guises down to to down guises our strip we when stake at is psyche our saying is artist The

Atelier Mensch, Hamburg, Germany. Germany. Hamburg, Mensch, Atelier

MP: I recently read in our local newspaper, “Modern art is naked expression. expression. naked is art “Modern newspaper, local our in read recently I MP:

(Colorful Contemporary Male Painters). Male Contemporary (Colorful

unter malerreigen männlicher zeitgenossen zeitgenossen männlicher malerreigen unter b 1983

share any additional insights you might have? might you insights additional any share

Munich, Germany. Germany. Munich,

a much broader view of just what he must have been thinking. Can you you Can thinking. been have must he what just of view broader much a

. Charlotte: Galerie für Naive Kunst, Kunst, Naive für Galerie Charlotte: . Clowns – Circus – Artisten 1982

SH: In addition to the initial impact Jan Balet had on you, you now have have now you you, on had Balet Jan impact initial the to addition In SH:

La Galerie Sin’Paora, Paris, France, Paris, Sin’Paora, Galerie La

. . Espagne Farth, Wohl Tchécoslovaquie,

well as in some hospital/dental/clinic/medical/office settings. hospital/dental/clinic/medical/office some in as well

Allemagne, Milton Bond, U.S.A, Herjie, France, Hruska, Hruska, France, Herjie, U.S.A, Bond, Milton Allemagne,

appropriately in some academic settings and in hotels (lobby and rooms), as as rooms), and (lobby hotels in and settings academic some in appropriately

Six Maitres de la Peinture Naïve: Bordonzotti, Suisse, Jan Balet, Balet, Jan Suisse, Bordonzotti, Naïve: Peinture la de Maitres Six 1981

I think it goes without saying many of Jan’s works would fit very very fit would works Jan’s of many saying without goes it think I

Atelier Mensch, Hamburg, Germany. Hamburg, Mensch, Atelier

Ausstellung. Internationale Kunst: Zeitgenössischen der in Akt Der 1980

of Balet’s best renderings of joy and innocence. and joy of renderings best Balet’s of

Haus der Kunst, Kunsthaus, Zurich, Switzerland, Switzerland, Zurich, Kunsthaus, Kunst, der Haus

might go in a children’s hospital because it is one one is it because hospital children’s a in go might Heart Warm Hands, Cold

Die Kunst der Naiven. der Kunst Die 1975

Haus der Kunst, Munich, Germany. Munich, Kunst, der Haus Abgrenzungen. und

the setting, and hopefully calming to nervous or worried cat owners. owners. cat worried or nervous to calming hopefully and setting, the

Die Kunst der Naiven: Beziehungen, Analogien Analogien Beziehungen, Naiven: der Kunst Die Oto. Bihalji-Merin,

could go in a vet’s office. It is thematically appropriate to to appropriate thematically is It office. vet’s a in go could Tribune Herald

1974 Heidelberger Kunstverein, Heidelberg, Germany. Germany. Heidelberg, Kunstverein, Heidelberger 1974

Germany.

seem endless but are not operas phenomenal vehicles for such tragedies? tragedies? such for vehicles phenomenal operas not are but endless seem

Galerie Krüll Krefeld, Krefeld, Krefeld, Krefeld, Krüll Galerie Naiven-Ausstellung. International 1972

which mourns lost love? The connections between the picture and the myth myth the and picture the between connections The love? lost mourns which

Pretorio, Prato, Italy. Prato, Pretorio,

mythical moment Eurydice is lost? Is he the musician that will guide music music guide will that musician the he Is lost? is Eurydice moment mythical

Palazzo Palazzo . Nazioni Quindici di Primitivi Pittori i con Incontro 1971

forest in the middle of nowhere, looking angry. Is it a metaphor for the the for metaphor a it Is angry. looking nowhere, of middle the in forest

Kunstsalon Wolfsberg, Zurich, Switzerland,. Zurich, Wolfsberg, Kunstsalon

by Gluck. The musician emerging alone from the transit station below, into a a into below, station transit the from alone emerging musician The Gluck. by

. Kunst Phantastische und Surrealistische Naïve, 1970

ought to go in an opera house, because I associate it with the opera opera the with it associate I because house, opera an in go to ought Orphée

Germany.

Galerie Wolfgang Gurlitt, Munich, Munich, Gurlitt, Wolfgang Galerie Malerei. Naïve Neue und Alte 1968

of food preparation and good eating. eating. good and preparation food of

Museum of Art, Dallas, TX. Dallas, Art, of Museum

family kitchen or dining room. As a small, local business, it is a celebration celebration a is it business, local small, a As room. dining or kitchen family

. Dallas Dallas . Art Editorial and Advertising of Exhibition Annual 29 1951

could go in any delicatessen or butcher shop, perhaps a a perhaps shop, butcher or delicatessen any in go could Italiana Osteria th

NYC.

, Museum of Modern Art, Art, Modern of Museum , Art Advertising of Exhibition Annual 28 1950

interpretations might be helpful to a therapist as a Balet “Rorschach” Test! Test! “Rorschach” Balet a as therapist a to helpful be might interpretations th

Group Exhibitions Group could go into a psychiatrist’s office. Clients’ Clients’ office. psychiatrist’s a into go could Childhood Lonesome 1982 Jan Balet: Una Fantasia sin Limite. Galeria d’Arte, Caracas, JAN BALET: A CHRONOLOGY Venezuela. ART 13’82. International Art Fair. Basel, Switzerland. 1983 Jan Balet. Galeria de Arte Trapezio, Lima, Peru. 1913 Born on 20 July in Bremen, Germany Jan Balet: zum 70 Geburtstag: Gemälde-Zeichnungen-Grafik. 1916 Parents' divorce, moves with his Mother to his grandparents in Museum Langenargen, Langenargen, Germany. Langenargen, Germany Jan Balet: Lithographs. Seen Galleries, London. 1920 Moves with the grandparents to Friedrichshafen, Germany 1984 Jan Balet: Peintures. Galerie L’Escapade, Cartigny-Genéve, 1921 At age 9 grandfather buys him some play dough (plasticine) which Switzerland. he uses to make various stores and shops with people in great Jan Balet: Ölbilder, Aquarelle, Lithographien. Laden Galerie, Berlin. detail. (These appear in his children’s books and his paintings.) Stadtmuseum, Munich, Germany. 1920-26 Elementary and junior high school in Friedrichshafen 1985 Jan Balet. Circle Gallery, San Diego, CA. 1926 Grandfather's death – Grandmother sends him to the Schloß Schule Jan Balet: Bilder. Schöner Wohnen Galerie, Hamburg, Germany. in Salem, Germany (One of the most prestigious schools in Jan Balet and the Search for the Ideal World.Circle Gallery-Soho, Germany) – He is unhappy and runs away New York, NY. 1927 Old Grammar School, Munich 1986 Jan Balet: Recent Paintings and Original Lithographs. Circle 1928 Hansa Home in Munich – an apprentice school Gallery-Soho, New York, NY. 1930 Moves to his father’s home in Berlin where attends the East 1987 Jan Balet: Recent Paintings and Original Lithographs. Circle Kunstgewerbeschule in East Berlin, where his teacher, Thoreau, Gallery, New Orleans, LA. often invites him to his home and teaches him how to draw. Jan Balet. International Centre of Naive Art, Brussels, Belgium. 1930 Earns his first money with “art” by painting the background walls 1988 Provocative Interpretations: The Art of Jan Balet. Circle Gallery, of the Kugel, where his father works Chicago, IL. 1930 Moves back to Munich with his mother and grandmother 1992 Galerie Naif Tanaka, Tokyo, Japan. 1930 Enters a Kunstgewerbeschule in Munich 1993 Jan Balet. Musée communal, Estavayer-Le-Lac, Switzerland. 1932 Is expelled from the Kunstgewerbe 1994 Die Zeppeline des Jan Balet. Zeppelin Museum, Friedrichshafen, 1932 Private art school of Prof. E. Ege, Applied Graphics, Munich Germany. Works at the Volkskunsthaus (folk art house) of Wallach 1995 Galerie Brügger, Bern, Switzerland, Travels to Romania 1997 Lithografien von Jan Balet. Schachener Hoff, Schachen, Germany. 1933 First independent studio in Munich Jan Balet: Liebespaare und andere Absurditäten. Makes woodcuts and hires several workers to fill orders Museum Kloster, Rotthalmünster, Asbach, Germany. Travels to Yugoslavia 1998 Der Traum vom Fliegen: Die Zeppeline des Jan Balet. 1934 Academy of Fine Arts, Professor Olaf Gulbransson Zehntscheurer Echterdingen, Leinfelden, Germany. 1935 Travels to Italy Jan Balet: Peintures, aquarelles, lithographies. Musée Gruérien, 1936 Three months in New York City working on theater sets Bulle, Switzerland. 1938 Military service in Eichstätt Jan Balet: Aquarell-Skizzen, Bilder, Druckgrafik. Galerie zum Emigration to USA grauen Wind, Zurich, Switzerland. 1939 Travels to Cuba where he draws obsessively 2001 Jan Balet: Bilder in Acryl, Aquarelle, Graphiken. Marries Bertha Quinn in New York Haus Salmegg. Rheinfelden, Germany. Stays three months in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania 2002 Rückblick: Jan Balet zum 90. Geburtstag. 1940 Birth of son Peter in New York Fleischer Museum, Böblingen, Germany. 1943 Art director of the magazine Mademoiselle 2003 Jan Balet: Malerei. Galerie Christine Brügger, Bern, Switzerland. 1944 Moves to Montauk, Long Island 2005 Jan Balet. Galerie Roseg, St. Moritz, Switzerland. 1945 Begins illustrating children’s books for other authors 2006 Balet: Lithographs. Pierre-Fleurs, Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland. Receives Gold Medal award from Art Directors Club of New York 2007 A Sophisticated Primitive. Hotel Gstaaderhof, Gstaad, Switzerland. 1946 Art director of the magazine Seventeen 2008 Jan Balet. Atelier Worb, Worb, Switzerland. Divorces Bertha Quinn

2009 Dies in Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland Estavayer-le-Lac, in Dies 2009

2001 Travels to Provence, France Provence, to Travels 2001

. Yolanda Fine Arts, Winnetka, IL. IL. Winnetka, Arts, Fine Yolanda . Balet Jan 2000 Travels to Urbino, Italy Urbino, to Travels 2000

Galerie de Ganzerik, Oisterwijk, Netherlands, Netherlands, Oisterwijk, Ganzerik, de Galerie Museum in Friedrichshafen, Germany Friedrichshafen, in Museum

. . Tekeningen Schilderijen, Balet: Jan 1981 1994 Receives commission to make sixty paintings for the Zeppelin Zeppelin the for paintings sixty make to commission Receives 1994

Associazione Artisti, Ascona, Switzerland, Ascona, Artisti, Associazione 1993 Divorces Gerda C. Foth Foth C. Gerda Divorces 1993

Galleria Galleria . Lithos Aquarelle, Zeichnungen, Ölbilder, Balet: Jan 1980 1992 Travels to Sicily to Travels 1992

Galerie Orangerie, Köln, Germany and Basel, Switzerland. Basel, and Germany Köln, Orangerie, Galerie 79. ART 1982 Second trip to Greece to trip Second 1982

. Galerie Vömel, Düsseldorf, Germany. Germany. Düsseldorf, Vömel, Galerie . Skizzen 100 Bilder, 40 1978 Moves to Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland Estavayer-le-Lac, to Moves 1978

. Galerie für Naive Kunst, Munich, Germany. Munich, Kunst, Naive für Galerie . Balet Jan von Bilder art fair in Paris in fair art

Galerie Brigette Wölffer, Berlin. Berlin. Wölffer, Brigette Galerie . Radierungen Ölbilder Balet: Jan 1979 lithographs in various countries, with first exhibition at a major major a at exhibition first with countries, various in lithographs

Upstairs Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. Angeles, Los Gallery, Upstairs 1976 Art dealer, Wolfenberger, arranges exhibitions of his paintings and and paintings his of exhibitions arranges Wolfenberger, dealer, Art 1976

Galerie 63, Klosters, Switzerland. Klosters, 63, Galerie Frequent visits to Paris and the French provinces French the and Paris to visits Frequent

Washington, D.C. Washington, Moves to La Landelle, France Landelle, La to Moves

ART’78 Washington: International Meeting of Fine Art Dealers Art Fine of Meeting International Washington: ART’78 1973 Marries Gerda C. Foth Foth C. Gerda Marries 1973

. Galerie Hamer, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Hamer, Galerie . Balet Jan 1978 1970 Travels to Northern France Northern to Travels 1970

Bologna, Italy. Bologna, 77. Fiera Arte 1969 One-month stay in Venice in stay One-month 1969

Galerie Orangerie, Köln, Germany and Basel, Switzerland. Basel, and Germany Köln, Orangerie, Galerie 77. ART Travels to Northern Italy Northern to Travels

Jacobean Gallery, Knokke, Belgium, Belgium, Knokke, Gallery, Jacobean . vélos les et Plages Les Balet: Jan in Munich, Germany Munich, in artists Naïve new and old with art Exhibits 1968

Washington, D.C. Washington, 1966 Divorces Lisa Tallal Lisa Divorces 1966

ART 77 Washington, Washington, 77 ART . Paintings–Graphics Balet: Show: Man One 1977 1965 Returns to Munich, and lives in Europe the remainder of his life. his of remainder the Europe in lives and Munich, to Returns 1965

1976 Atelier Mensch, Hamburg, Germany. Hamburg, Mensch, Atelier 1976 Second trip to Yugoslavia to trip Second

Düsseldorf, Germany. Düsseldorf, l, Vöme ie r Gale Balet. Jan 1975 illustrations, and his paintings. his and illustrations,

. Galerie Ida Niggli, Niederteufen, Switzerland. Niederteufen, Niggli, Ida Galerie . Katze Die Balet: Jan his commercial graphic works, his children’s books and and books children’s his works, graphic commercial his

Galerie Ida Niggli, Zürich, Switzerland. Zürich, Niggli, Ida Galerie 1964 First exhibition, at Pavilion Alter Botanischer Garten -- consists of of consists -- Garten Botanischer Alter Pavilion at exhibition, First 1964

. Besitzer ihre und Ladengeschäffte Französische – Face En Balet: Jan 1974 1963 Mother dies Mother 1963

Stand Niggli. Basel, Switzerland. Basel, Niggli. Stand 4’73. Art 1973 1962 Travels to Greece to Travels 1962

. Galerie Ida Niggli. St. Gallen, Switzerland. Switzerland. Gallen, St. Niggli. Ida Galerie . Malerei Naïve 1961 Travels to Texas, Arizona and New Mexico New and Arizona Texas, to Travels 1961

Galerie Niebuhr, Berlin, Germany. Germany. Berlin, Niebuhr, Galerie . Gemälde 22 Balet: Jan 1960 Fourth trip to Mexico to trip Fourth 1960

Paula Becker Modersohn-Haus, Bremen, Germany. Germany. Bremen, Modersohn-Haus, Becker Paula 1959 Travels to southern France and Paris and France southern to Travels 1959

. . Graphik und Gemälde Balet: Jan 1972 1958 Third trip to Mexico to trip Third 1958

. Atelier Mensch, Hamburg, Germany. Germany. Hamburg, Mensch, Atelier . Balet Jan Gemälde: 1971 1957 Second trip to Mexico to trip Second 1957

. Galerie Wolfensberger. Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich, Wolfensberger. Galerie . Balet Jan 1969 1956 Travels to Portugal and Spain and Portugal to Travels 1956

f, Germany. f, r Düsseldo 1955 Travels to Bavaria, Austria and Switzerland and Austria Bavaria, to Travels 1955

l, l, Vöme e i er l Ga Pavillon. Kö-Center, . Gemälde Balet: Jan 1969 Marries Lisa Tallal Tallal Lisa Marries

Bezirksamt Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany. Germany. Berlin, Tiergarten, Bezirksamt 1953 Travels to Quebec and Gaspé, Canada Gaspé, and Quebec to Travels 1953

. Buchillustrationen Monotypien, Zeichnungen, Gemälde, Balet: Jan 1967 1952 Moves to Brookville, Long Island Long Brookville, to Moves 1952

Pavillon Alter Botanischer Garten, Munich, Germany. Munich, Garten, Botanischer Alter Pavillon 1951 Grandmother dies Grandmother 1951

. . Balet Jan von Grafik & Gemälde Ausstellung, Mexico: 1966 1950 Traveles to Mexico Mexico to Traveles 1950

Pavillon Alter Botanischer Garten, Munich, Germany. Germany. Munich, Garten, Botanischer Alter Pavillon 2 months stay in Paris Paris in stay months 2

. . Kinderbücher Graphik, Gemälde, York: New Balet: Jan 1964 First visit after the war to Munich to war the after visit First

Solo Exhibitions Solo 3 months stay in St. Thomas, St. Croix and Puerto Rico Puerto and Croix St. Thomas, St. in stay months 3

Amos and the Moon the and Amos book: children’s first illustrates and Authors 1948

Orleans New to Travels

(Selected) EXHIBITIONS BALET: JAN 1946 Acquires American citizenship American Acquires 1946