Show Preview | Manfred Rapp

Santa Fe, NM
Joe Wade Fine Art, October 3-12

Manfred Rapp, Santa Fe Plaza, oil, 20 x 24.

This story was featured in the October 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art October 2014 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

“Manfred Rapp’s work frequently renders our clients breathless,” says Judy Wade of Joe Wade Fine Art in Santa Fe, NM. “He has an almost unmatched ability to convey a sense of intimacy in his paintings,” she adds. This month, the gallery presents about 30 new works by Rapp in a solo show that opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 3, and runs through October 12.

Born and raised in Germany, Rapp began drawing at the age of 4 and never stopped. As a young man, his frequent travels and visits to art museums around Europe ignited his passion for oil painting, eventually leading to a career in fine art. Today Rapp makes his home in New Mexico, where he has lived for more than 15 years. While he’s been known to paint a southwestern scene here and there, scenes of Europe—its people, landscapes, and architecture—make up the majority of his works in this show. “The far-flung locales of Rapp’s paintings often transport our clients to places they’ve visited and stir up fond memories,” Wade says. “I hear comments like, ‘We’ve been there!’ or ‘We’re planning a trip there next!’” This kind of reaction is precisely what Rapp is hoping for. “I just love to see viewers engaged and enjoying my work,” he says.

Without a doubt, Rapp’s colorful, impressionistic portrayals of people and places from around the globe evoke a sense of joy and wonder in viewers. No matter what the subject, Rapp’s goal is to paint the beauty of the world as he has seen it. “Although I paint representational images, I don’t entertain the idea of copying nature—I only try to translate what I see into my artistic expression, imagination, and design,” he explains, adding, “I try to remain as authentic as possible, preserving the soul and emotion [of the scene], while also keeping the painting interesting and lively.”

Wade thinks he achieves all of this and more. “One part artist, another alchemist, Rapp transforms images of the world we see into exquisite paintings that act as a touchstone to our best dreams and most memorable moments,” she says. —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
505.988.2727
 www.joewadefineart.com

Featured in the October 2014 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art October 2014 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!