Chromatic Winds: a solo exhibition inspired by wind, waves and the pursuit of movement.

Paul Lederer’s artistic journey reflects a lifelong love of being on the water — sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and sculling — all of which demand a careful study of wind, waves, and movement. It requires a slowness, a special kind of attention and the ability to improvise and change course without hesitation when nature takes hold. Lederer gives his artistic process that same attention; he surrenders to an improvisational journey that invites colors and shapes to emerge, guided by a sense of movement and intuition. The artist shares, “Curved lines feel, to me, like they can be physically and emotionally thrown. Through the act of visualizing and throwing curved lines in my work, I can physically experience the qualities of the line as it parallels the qualities found in nature. My artistic practice has always been focused on wind, waves and the pursuit of movement.”

In 2019, Lederer experienced a stroke that deeply affected his mobility and sense of ease on the water. Around this time, he retired from his fifty-year optometric practice, where he devoted much of his life to helping others with visual problems. It became necessary for him to apply this same devotion, care, and time to his personal perseverance and resilience. Despite the effects of the stroke, Lederer found a renewed focus on his art, diving into a process that became both spontaneous and exploratory. Devoting hours daily to artistic experimentation, he began to visualize and feel the act of throwing lines, colors, shapes, and patterns into his artwork. This visceral process mimics the experience of wind and waves, expressing an explosion of energy, freedom, and dynamism in his paintings. For Lederer, movement flourishes without compromise within the act of painting.

Chromatic Winds reflects an environment where mobility is unrestricted—a space where one can fly through colors, movement and patterning with joy and levity. In many ways, the artist is still sailing and kayaking on the water through his art, inviting each viewer on a journey of unexpected experiences and discoveries.

BIO
Paul Lederer is an artist based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. He has been making art throughout his life experimenting with fiber-based work, black-and-white photography, charcoal and pencil drawing, watercolor, acrylic, and oil painting. Lederer’s experience as an optometrist specializing in visual function deeply influenced the progression of his artistic practice. His father, Emil, was a holocaust survivor and full-time artist from Vienna, Austria. His mother, Leopoldina, inspired him to see magic in life itself. His parents taught him to celebrate life and take full advantage of each moment.

His wife of 54 years, Joanne, is his artistic collaborator. Despite being visually impaired and unable to physically see his work, Paul and Joanne engage in endless discussions about his art to collectively determine each title. This synergy further fuels the energy behind each painting.

Lederer lives with Joanne and their dog Luxi in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and rejoice in their incredible surroundings that only enhance their enchanting life together.

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Tags: Chromatic Winds, Evanston, Paul Lederer, Paul Lederer: Chromatic Winds, Space 900