Paintings

Gustavo Ruiz

Sculptures

Germán Cunese (from ABC TANGO)

Bandoneonista

Esperá sentada

Passion parade

© Witold Krassowski/Network


Young Polish professionals have discovered the delights of the Tango. Witold Krassowski photographed at a dance academy which gives lessons in the surprising location of the former Communist militia in Warsaw


Young people in Warsaw are flocking to learn the old time Argentinian tango. Polish yuppies and professionals have enthusiatically welcomed the arrival of an Academy of Tango in their city. Bored with rock and roll, they have grasped at another trendily pastime. Some hope to meet the big love of their life, though they wouldn't care to admit it. The first sessions took place in the former club of the hated communist militia, right next to their notorious headquarters in the Mostowski Palace. Every Wednesday more and more bored young hopefuls congregated in this dark, socialist-realistic environment to experience the double thrill of tango and former danger.Young people in Warsaw are flocking to learn the old time Argentinian tango. Polish yuppies and professionals have enthusiatically welcomed the arrival of an Academy of Tango in their city. Bored with rock and roll, they have grasped at another trendily pastime. Some hope to meet the big love of their life, though they wouldn't care to admit it. The first sessions took place in the former club of the hated communist militia, right next to their notorious headquarters in the Mostowski Palace. Every Wednesday more and more bored young hopefuls congregated in this dark, socialist-realistic environment to experience the double thrill of tango and former danger.



The venue became too crowded and, overwhelmed with success, the Academy had to organise extra sessions every Monday in the former casino of the equally feared secret police. This place lacks the heavy atmosphere of socialist architecture but is much more appropriate for teaching the tango. And the crowds keep coming. The teachers are mainly dance enthusiasts, all young, some expatriates. A few are studying, most have jobs, all give energy and time to sustain their passionate pasttime. They can do incredible things with their legs.



The tango meetings evenings start around 8 p.m. and the atmosphere builds up slowly as more people arrive. First, couples interested in polishing up their tango technique try new steps in the almost empty room. The crowd grows thicker and the bar serves drinks at full speed. Things heat up. Technique goes out the window as emotion and imagination take over. Liaisons take place and some last beyond the dancing. Aspiring newcomers look on from the sidelines, curious at the relaxed but volatile scene before them. At midnight, on the dot, the clientele leave in a cloud of all-pervasive tobacco.

Tango Paints

Bill Brauer


Allure of the Dance

Bill Brauer has studied and utilized the concepts and techniques of Renaissance masters while adding a distinctly modern edge to each painting. The work is more about shape and placement than story telling. A single light source allows him to plan and control light and dark patterns in each piece. His female figures are provocatively situated into these design elements becoming the narrators of each piece.


Evening In Jade

Based on mythological themes, dancing and beauty, Brauer paints as if hypnotized or haunted by his own muse. Sometimes seen as controversial Brauer's women can be viewed as contemplative, erotic and on occasion objectified. Painted in warm earthy colors that cast a glow over each woman, they appear sensual and inviting to the viewer. Brauer feels the art of sensuality is falling by the wayside. He does not necessarily want his subjects to be sexy, but instead sees them as just "natural, beautiful women" but with an air of mystery.

Tango Dancers

Born in New York, artist Bill Brauer started his career as an illustrator and print maker. Upon moving to Northern Vermont over thirty years ago, Brauer found that printmaking limited the size and color of his work so he began to work with oil paints. He has taught at several colleges and schools throughout Vermont and has been a driving force in advocating for artists in the area. His work has been exhibited in numerous shows over the last thirty-two years including the Brooklyn Museum and the Southern Vermont Art Center.

Tango Artist

DORA KANEGIES

A painter and a dancer I have always been, though Tango Passion took hold of me when we met two Springs ago.

I go to milangas with my black and red shoes and my drawing pad. I dance until my feet hurt, then I draw into the magic hours, when the dance floor thins and the dancers float about as if in another world. I draw very quickly without looking at the paper. The lines flow from my hand, directed by my eyes following the dancers and by my body still warm from dance.

Before I paint, I draw for hours watching The Tango Lesson or some other favorite. Then I enter my studio, turn the music up, and dance until I am filled. Only then do I paint directed by the Tango Spirit. What emerges is of me, of the music, of the Tango itself.

Dora's paintings are an improvisational dance of color created with unconventional combinations of materials. "I enjoy pressing rose petals, faux stones, or lace into thick textured gesso on paper or canvas. I then paint with watercolor, acrylic, oil pastel and oil stick. I work in opaque and transparent layers increasing depth and texture creating a dream-like space." Dvora paints faces, dancers, sensuous nudes, dreamscapes, candle lighting for blessing the light of Shabbat; all are woven with a thread of mystery that engages.

Receiving scholarships to Skidmore College and Yale University, Dvora received degrees with honors and continued to study art with Knox Martin in New York City and others at Columbia University.

Dvora Kanegis paints and teaches the passion of painting and drawing in her studio in Boulder, Colorado and exhibits widely. Her compelling paintings have been exhibited in numerous one person and group shows in galleries and museums through out the United States. Her work hangs in permanent collections at The University of Colorado, Boulder Community Hospital, Healthworks Inc, Bravin Architecture Inc. and many more public and private collections.

In 1999 The International Cable Television Channel featured her work in an international campaign on breast cancer awareness.

Tango Art

LEONARDO FAILLACE



“Fantastic” art, with paintings purified with "frottage", patinas and lacquer.

His tango drawings combine pastel and ink, aiming to enhance the sensuality and movement of the dance and capture the gray melancholy of Buenos Aires.

Next October 27th the Sharon Art Gallery (Leon, Spain) will hold an art exhibit in tribute to Tango, featuring Faillace as the only Argentinean delegate.