Black Jack Girls 1989

LeRoy Neiman created "Black Jack Girls" using pastel to capture a moment in the high-energy world of Las Vegas casinos. Neiman, known for his vibrant and gestural style, often depicted scenes of leisure and entertainment that catered to an aspirational, often male, gaze. "Black Jack Girls" offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of a casino, with its playful depiction of women at a blackjack table. The artwork captures the charged atmosphere of the gambling world. Neiman’s focus on female figures raises questions about gender, labor and entertainment. The women are at once active participants and objects of visual consumption. How do these women negotiate their roles within this very specific economy of desire? Neiman once stated, "I don't just want to paint pretty pictures." "Black Jack Girls" reflects how Neiman's art captured a moment in time, shaped by the artist's perspective and the evolving social landscape.