Mad Man in the Mil

Artist James R Reinke at MGAC

July 31st through September 10th

Wisconsin artist James Russell Reinke has a particular passion. It’s evident in his art. Whether lino prints, oils, 3-D pieces or great expanses of tapestries done in inks and acrylics, there’s a common theme: the male nude.

Like centuries of artists before him, Reinke focuses on his subject with ardor, admiration and attention to detail. He expresses maleness unapologetically. He’s quirky, carnal and candid. He’s all about the joys of genitalia, strapping broad-shouldered angels, recumbent cowboys and mythological minotaurs.

His favorite works are the Greek classical nudes and it shows. “The idealized male form enamors and amazes me. Greek nudes represent the symmetry of disciplines - mind over the body and body over the mind. The figure is the form. I enjoy Michelangelo for these same reasons. Most of my work does not contain the discipline, but does express the obsession to run like an athlete or to run your hands over an athlete. Through my art I have tried to make the works that I want to see or hang,” Reinke said. 

Reinke’s works, especially the lino prints, recall the German Expressionists but without the Angst. The cuts are raw. They deconstruct the figure to its literal bare bones. Pecs and abs, gluts, lats, serratus define their strength in bold lines. The sensuality and sexuality is reminiscent of Picasso, Chagall and Warhol. Still, there’s a contemporary twist, a dose of Haring and Mapplethorpe and ultimately an innocence of purpose that is purely the artist’s.

His artist’s statement is a bit more serious. ”Art is a luxury that few can afford. Art as a luxury is grounded in politics. Politics very rarely exhibit the love of man for his fellow man. The Sistine Chapel with man in all his stunning glory is a product of the church. Commercialism and advertising have overtaken much of man’s creativity. The chase of the dollar foreshadows the need of expression.

The desire to live beyond this lifetime, to be seen or known as creating beauty in this world can only come through art. This form, our shell is truly all we have. From the primitives to the future, our bodies are what carry us and hold us together. The physical is the spiritual.

My work and I are products of our time in history. For me that includes the influences of HIV/AIDS, gay rights, racism and sexism. Expression is empowerment. Art history has covered so much ground. I can only try to fill in gaps or recreate to expand its accessibility”

Mad Man in Mil – the Art of James R Reinke runs through September 10 at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, 703 South 2nd Street in Milwaukee’s Historic Walker’s Point neighborhood. Call 414-383-3727 for gallery hours.