Resting Lion 2008

Curator: This is LeRoy Neiman’s “Resting Lion” from 2008, rendered in acrylic paint. Editor: My first impression is pure vibrant energy! The bold palette and gestural strokes are quite arresting. The animal almost emerges from a fever dream. Curator: Indeed. Neiman’s work, particularly from this later period, reveals a deep connection to the sociopolitical landscapes within which the ‘lion’–a traditional symbol of strength–is viewed with a changed cultural lens. Consider how animal representations and symbolism intersect with postcolonial discourse and anxieties around conservation. Editor: From a purely visual standpoint, notice how the fauvist-inspired use of color and energetic brushwork create an overall sense of dynamism despite the subject’s supposed stillness. Curator: Certainly, the formal aspects heighten emotional impact. But also note the potential comment on displaced power structures as Neiman engages the viewer with both icon and a modern deconstruction. The wildness seems constrained, rendered through the flattening, modern lens. We are prompted to interrogate traditional notions of animalistic might. Editor: The way Neiman applied the acrylic lends itself to expressive textural qualities, furthering its impact on us visually. This adds dimension, literally and figuratively, which amplifies emotional response. Curator: Consider Neiman’s earlier social realist focus, his sports imagery. This 'resting lion' could speak to a critique of hypermasculine performativity through animal metaphor. Is he lionizing or satirizing? We need to question through what historical context and human perceptions is the beast viewed. Editor: It’s amazing how Neiman controls the chaos of color; guiding the eye with subtle value shifts, so you can track planes as they turn. I believe he creates a structured field in spite of expressive flourishes. Curator: Thinking through Neiman’s career reveals much on shifts within American cultural paradigms. The piece reveals through form, yes, but more meaningfully when placed against larger frameworks examining societal changes. Editor: Analyzing both, his dynamic technique coupled with thoughtful contemplation really expands the discourse around visual literacy.