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| Patrick Angus, Columbus Circle, 1986 |
L.A.-born Patrick Angus (1953–1992) is having a moment. Stuttgart's Kunstmuseum did a large (200-piece) Angus retrospective last year. Now the Long Beach Museum of Art is hosting the artist's first major U.S. exhibition, through Sep. 8, 2019.
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| Patrick Angus, Hot Numbers, 1989. Collection of David Hockney |
Once called "the Toulouse-Lautrec of Times Square," Angus made his reputation with paintings of New York's gay demimonde, particularly the Gaiety Theater, an all-male burlesque house. Angus clearly drew on David Hockney (who collected Angus and lent one of the paintings in the show).
Hanky Panky (1990) shows a darkened theater. On screen is a porno version of a Hockney swimming pool. Angus' revelers never seem to be enjoying themselves; the urban landscapes are shadowed by the slanting light of Edward Hopper.
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| Patrick Angus, Hanky Panky, 1990 |
AIDS ended Angus' career early, at age 38. The Long Beach show spans the full range of his production, including portraits, nudes, and landscapes, some of L.A.
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| Patrick Angus, Untitled (Palm Tree Stop Sign) |
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