Artist: Joe Rosenthal
Bronze
169 x 122 x 153 centimetres
The two figures in Rosenthal’s Neighbours lean on opposite sides of a railing with their gaze just past one another. They lean together while waiting for something, possibly speaking softly to each other while passing the time. Their facial expressions parallel in their somber intensity. Their body language differs subtly. One figure leans forward expectantly, almost hopefully, as if they can see what is to come. The other leans with patient resolve.
Rosenthal has provided an excellent example in composition. The two figures are placed in an equal yet opposite position. This guides the viewers’ gaze back and forth between the two dramatically.
About Joe Rosenthal
Joe Rosenthal was born in 1921 in Romania. He came to Canada in 1927 and served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1942 to 1945.
He studied at the Ontario College of Art and continued his learning on extensive sketching trips through the Northwest Territories, Mexico, Cuba, England, Holland, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Jordan, Israel and Egypt.
His work has been recognized with awards from the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Canada Council and the Toronto Outdoor Exhibition. His awards also include first prize in the National Open Sculpture Competition for the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Monument.
Since 1957, his work has been exhibited in many solo and group shows throughout North America and Europe. His most recent award is The Rabin International Presentation Sculpture, Los Angeles, 1996. He is a member of the Royal Canadian Academy and the Ontario Society of Arts.