Sarasota Review

Joe Fig, a figurative painter renowned for his "Contemplation" series, is showcasing 16 new paintings in an exhibition titled "Contemplating Vermeer" at the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design. The exhibition runs from November 17, 2024, to April 13, 2025. This series presents Fig's observations of a sold-out exhibition of Johannes Vermeer's work held in 2023 at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which featured 28 out of Vermeer's 37 known paintings.

Fig's artistic process involves capturing the fleeting nature of art exhibitions through painting. He explained, “I enjoy capturing the historical nature of exhibitions. They are up for a limited time and very fleeting. My paintings allow me to share these art exhibitions with people who may not have the chance to see them otherwise.” Fig traveled to Amsterdam specifically for this project as it was likely the last major gathering of Vermeer’s works during his lifetime.

The artist's method includes studying the compositions and techniques of displayed works while reflecting on various elements such as installation design and lighting. During his visit to Amsterdam, Fig was inspired by deep-hued gallery walls and rich velvet curtains alongside Vermeer’s paintings.

Back in his Sarasota studio, Fig reviewed photographs from his visit before painting on canvas. His approach focuses on balancing light, shadow, and color — a practice he describes as "contemplation."

Rangsook Yoon, Ph.D., senior curator at Sarasota Art Museum, noted that “Fig has been exploring our collective and individual experiences of engaging with artwork in public spaces for over a decade.” She described him as having an interest similar to that of a visual anthropologist.

One painting in the exhibition is “Vermeer: Woman Holding a Balance / Rijksmuseum,” where visitors are depicted observing Vermeer's work against a teal wall. Another piece titled “Vermeer: The Geographer / Rijksmuseum” features museum visitors contrasted with a security guard dressed in dark attire.

Fig also visited Mauritshuis in The Hague to view "Girl with a Pearl Earring," which was temporarily part of the Rijksmuseum exhibition but returned before his arrival. His interpretation includes vibrant red elements inspired by an adjacent gallery.

Yoon commented on Fig’s ability to capture viewers' awe when experiencing Vermeer's contemplative works: “Fig captures the awe viewers experience... allowing us to vicariously participate in that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Apart from depicting gallery visitors, Fig replicates Vermeer’s renowned paintings using methods inspired by legends surrounding Vermeer’s artistic practice. As department chair at Ringling College of Art and Design's fine arts program, he shares his inspiration with students.

Virginia Shearer, executive director at Sarasota Art Museum, emphasized its role as an incubator for artists: “Exhibitions like ‘Contemplating Vermeer’ showcase innovative artistic techniques and empower both artists and visitors.”

Fig's work has been exhibited internationally and is included in collections such as Harvard University's Fogg Museum and New York's New Museum. He authored books including "Inside the Painter’s Studio."

The exhibition is organized by Sarasota Art Museum with support from sponsors Judy and Fred Fiala among others.