Anyone who likes the work of Craigie Aitchison wil
Anyone who likes the work of Craigie Aitchison will appreciate the nuanced colour fields of Milton Avery (1885-1965), one of the subtlest of American modernists and as such one of the last to achieve widespread recognition. Influential on such younger artists as Newman, Gottlieb and Rothko, Avery is a key linking figure between Europe and America, transmitting the inspiration and example of Matisse to a younger generation and explor- ing colour in luminous and inventive ways. At Waddington Galleries (11 Cork Street, London Wl, until 24 November) is a stunning exhibition of his still-life paintings, which are even less well known than his large and radically simplified landscapes. The still- lifes feature such favourite motifs as plants and leaves (see 'Interior with Flowers', 1948, above), jugs and vases, shells and a lovely ironwork chair. Intimate, affectionate and satis- fyingly patterned, they make a direct and uncompromising appeal to the senses. An Avery museum retrospective is long overdue in this country. In the meantime don't miss this arresting show. AL
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