by Jorge Reyes
Neith Nevelson, an American artist, was born in New York City in 1946. Her grandmother was Louise Nevelson, the Russian-born American artist who became famous for her unusual sculptures often made from recycled material.
As has been pointed out, Neith paints visions from the imagination, exploring the figurative, symbolic and narrative. She believes that art has the power to connect, to transport, to make people feel. She is intolerant of art that merely amuses, art as a concept or process, and any art that merely amuses or that does not attempt to touch the viewer through the intellect.
While the art world of the last quarter century has experienced a pluralism of styles, Neith Nevelson has stubbornly pursued her personal iconography, one that can safely be called ‘Neithicism’. Abandoning the ambivalence and incongruity of contemporary art’s fragmented shifting styles Neith Nevelson’s works are also refreshingly original. In fact, her art is so rudimentary, that art critics have had a hard time accepting Neith as a serious artist; both a shame and a tragedy. It must not be forgotten that when Louise Nevelson was experimenting with her sculptures, art critics dismissed them as "junk". Louise persisted, nonetheless, and for the next 30 years she created her unique form of abstract art which is so coveted and respected these days. Despite much that has been misunderstood about Neith’s art (including much that has been written about her personal life), what can safely be said is that throughout a long and prolific career, she has finally become comfortable as an artist and narrowed her artistic interests to three main categories to which she invariably returns again and again: horses, naked women and faces. In turn, each of these seem to symbolize some common denominator, such as: from chaos peace, from life death, and so on. Surprisingly, the artist herself simply stands back and says nothing about her own life, about her own philosophy, nor what she seeks to interpret.
Picture @2005 Becarley Stout
Horses, Women and Faces
All three categories of Neith’s painting— horses, women and faces— fill the canvas with a controlled spontaneity found in the great masters.
Some critics have pointed out that Neith’s horses stand out above the rest of all her works. Ironically, horses are Neith’s simplest works: just simple intertwining lines and loops, nothing more. Yet, these are her most perfectly-rendered as far as form and shape; and, the larger the canvas the more striking these images become. Paired in groups or by themselves, these horses are playful, coy, grazing by themselves. This is a time to relax, to contemplate, to be in communion with nature. Even in quarrelsome playfulness, this is the world of childhood innocence, something hoped-for, rarely experienced in adulthood. 
Neith’s naked women are amorphous, seeming to be refractions and not actual representations of women. Sea-like, these women are in a state of cleansing, metaphysical or otherwise. Some of these women are even portrayed with large gaps in their bodies. These gaps don’t seem to be representative of physical pain but rather emblematic of some sort of essential deficiency. Why does it have to be this way is a question that is never answered.
The women say nothing themselves, of course, they don't trust us, the viewer. Our voyeurism seems to be part of the game, but their intimacy is never part of ours.
Neith’s faces, like her naked women, also have a rudimentary lack of proportion. Invariably they seem to have strong, Afro-centric features. At first, these faces seem threatening and accusatory. On closer look, though, we notice that these hardened, squinting-seeming faces are delicate, frail almost, only toughened and hardened by a careless existence. Neith has called these faces her "nebulas." 
Painting passionately and with the singular vision to succeed, Neith Nevelson has developed a truly distinctive style. Her art is often simple, often chaotic, though never simplistic. What has developed to this day is a wholy personal style.
In the meantime, everyday, before dawn, in those few, quiet hours before the beginning of a hectic day, Neith Nevelson can be found painting, by herself, next to her ever faithful dog Magga.
74 comments:
Beautiful paintings. Neith is a great American painter. One day she will be discovered, and it will be too late. The good thing is that she leaves behind a very prolific and extensive body of work which to study, display, and enjoy.
This is Neith Nevelson's daughter, Xochtle Mcknight, and we would like to know who this blog belongs to. My mother HAS NOT authorized the use of her name for any blog, or the use of any images in her likeness.
We ask that you take this down immediately.
Thank you.
Neith is a diva. I love her this woman! She will live forever! I love Neith! I live Neith! I breath Neith! I dream Neith!
Who says Neith didn't authorize these pictures? She posed for them! I know Neith and as her daughter you ought to be ashamed to hate your mother so much. Have you seen how Neith looks these days? She's alone and in dire poverty.
Who the hell are you to tell me about my relationship with my mother?!?! Do you KNOW ME?? Did you grow up IN MY HOUSE WITH ME?!? Do you know anything about the relationship I have with my mother?
I don't need to prove my relationship with my mother to someone posting anonomously on a blog, however I help my mother as much as she permits me to!!
When I came across this site, I asked her if she knew about it. She said she was unaware of this site, and did not authorize anyone to use these photos for use on a blog, and if you had any balls you would't be posting anonymously. I don't give a rat's ass if you took photos of my mother, THAT does not give you the right to write about her, WITHOUT her consent. If YOU cared anything about her, you would ask her permission to have a blog in the first damn place.
My mother has asked that you - WHOEVER YOU ARE - TAKE THIS BLOG DOWN. I'm on the phone with her now, and she's TELLING ME to leave this message. Now, if you can call her up and identify yourself so she knows who the hell is writing a blog about her, then fine. But if you cannot call her within the next 48 hours, I will investigate and find out who this blog belongs to, and take the appropriate actions to have it taken down. TRY ME.
You have no class whatsoever. I'd rather not even answer these stupid diatribes of yours. You seem to be either:
1) Either medicated
2) Drunk
3) Prone to violence.
These pictures as much as the content in this Blog is protected by the 1st amendment. Obviously your mother possed for the pictures, therefore you have no legal right whatsoever to demand that they be taken down.
So, read up on the Constitution first, then write such profane things as you have done which only demonstrates the type of person you are.
The Blog stays. By the way, nothing in this Blog has any negative reference to your mother.
Louise Nevelson would be embarrassed over you.
Xochtle Louise Mcknight, if you're Neith's daughter then you ought to be ashamed of yourself for caring so little about your mother. Not only is Neith is very frail physical health, but she looks like a bag lady, and lives in appalling circumstances.
The way many locals see it, Neith has been totally abandoned by her family, none of whom care one bit about this poor woman.
If you care a little about her, I suggest you call a family meeting and do something about Neith instead of coming across as a conceited, arrogant, and erratic person who cares more about the Nevelson name and any possible future rewards, than about the woman who gave birth to you and your other sister.
Neith is a great artist and she will remembered as such one day. However, her family's total abandonment of Neith will be unforgiven.
Xochtle YOU SHOULD SHOW MORE COMPASSION AND LOVE TOWARDS NEITH. SHAME ON ALL OF YOU FOR THE DEPRAVED WAY NEITH IS LIVING AND NONE OF YOU CARE.
Excuse me, but you have NO IDEA what goes on in my family, and what has been done to help my mother.
You obviously have something to hide, as you have not bothered to identify yourself or call my mother to ask her permission to post about her.
And, if you had any class (or balls), you wouldn't be posting these comments anonymously. What are you afraid of? Show your face!
And IF you had any class, you would've asked her if she minds you posting anything about her. I could care less about the Nevelson name, I care MORE about people posting information about my mother without her consent. As you're aware, there are MANY people who have taken advantage of my mother over and over again. So when I see something about her on the internet, I let her know and ask her whether she knows about it. If she asks me to make a comment about taking it down, I COMPLY.
For you to suggest that I'm on drugs or violent, only proves that YOU have no class or respect for my mother. I have not said anything to suggest that I would even resort to violence or that I'm not in my right mind in trying to protect my mother the best way I can. We do not care whether the information you are posting about her is positive, it's the simple fact that you need to let her know that you are posting something about her - PERIOD.
IF you had any respect for her, you would CALL HER UP AND IDENTIFY YOURSELF, AS SHE HAS REQUESTED. But you can't even do that, so yeah...You're really interested in what happens to my mother.
Fair enough. Since Neith Nevelson is so famous (in a sort of underground way), but yet no one can reconcile her amazing talent with the dire poverty and loneliness she is living, can you please tell us why her family seems to have abandoned her? This is NOT a personal insult to anyone, just a way to clarify what mystifies many people who come across (and want to help) Neith Nevelson.
Thanks
It's true. Though well intentioned I think that nothing which is online about Neith Nevelson is negative. What's more, there's nothing anyone can do to prevent information from being printed about anyone in the public eye.
I have seeing Neith Nevelson ride her bicycle through the Grove and I often wonder how this woman is still alive. She's toothless, bent like a hunchback, but she's very, very talented. She's also very prolific, which may be her downfall.
I feel that Neith Nevelson should be painting solely for a major gallery and not underselling her talent often for $50 bucks.
Both Louise Nevelson and Neith Nevelson are great women and one day they will recognized as such, but it is true: her family's abandonment of her is pathetic.
Ok, ANONYMOUS... Since you have still refused to identify yourself...I'll explain some things to you, and hopefully you'll understand.
My mother has NOT been abandoned by her family. We, including myself, my father, my grandfather, and grandmother, have tried TIRELESSLY to help her. You cannot help someone who does not want to help themselves. I won't go into the details of growing up in a single-parent household with Neith Nevelson as your mother, but I will say that I also have my own life, my own child, and my own issues to deal with, in addition to trying to help someone who yells at me daily, calls me names, and threatens things that you would not even BEGIN to imagine. But I keep coming back to her, as she is MY MOTHER. YES, THE WOMAN WHO GAVE ME LIFE. I will not comment on my sister, as they have their own relationship that I refuse to waste time trying to deconstruct, as AM NOT a pyschologist.
Like I said before YOU have NO IDEA what goes on in our family, and what the circumstances surrounding our relationship with my mother are. So for you to attempt to anonymously accuse me of hating my own mother, is not only ignorant, but disgusting to me.
I want THE VERY BEST for my mother, just like I want THE VERY BEST for my daughter. But I only have the ability to teach MY CHILD to want the very best for herself, and if she does not grow to want that, then it's out of my hands.
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have begged my mother to let me help her with marketing herself and her art, so that she can leave her OWN legacy for her grandchildren and decendants. I have given her thousands of ideas, even offered to help finance or find financing to help get these things off the ground, SO DO NOT TELL ME I DO NOTHING TO HELP MY MOTHER!!! I would LOVE to have her come and visit me, or live close by, but I cannot commit my entire life to making someone else happy. Do you live only to make YOUR MOTHER happy, by whatever means necessary? If you do, how's that going for you? Have ou stopped living YOUR LIFE to help someone who refuses to take responsibility for helping themselves? If I were a betting person, I'd say NO.
What DO YOU think I should do, since you know my mother, and our family dynamics SO WELL?!?!? Should I give up my job, pull my kid out of school, and move to Miami to take care of my mother, waiting on her hand and foot? Should I take food out of my child's mouth to pay all of my mother's bills for her? Should I go homeless so that she can have a home to live in? Tell me! What do YOU suggest I should do?
Before you go off an start accusing my family of things, I suggest you make sure you know what you're talking about. My grandparents have ALWAYS been there to rescue her, to the point where my grandmother has NOTHING to show for her own work!!! I guess even though neither my sister or asked to be here, we should dedicate our entires lives AND sanity to making sure my mother is completely happy, even though it means sacrificing our own lives. RIGHT??
Well, I for one refuse to do so. I'm a single mother, I have managed to put MYSELF through college at the tune of thousands of dollars in student loans, and have been supporting myself since I was 18. I moved from my mother's house when was 14, NOT because I hate her, but because I wanted a better life FOR MYSELF. Something, I didn't think she was able to povide for me. I didn't want my mother worrying how she would feed her baby, I wanted her to be able to feed herself, and make herself happy with her art. Much like my great-grandmother, Louise Nevelson was able to do.
My mother doesn't HAVE to live in the conditions she lives in. No one is forcing that on her, so don't you DARE assume you know anything about MY family. We choose our OWN paths, and sometimes we need help getting back on track. If someone offers to help, and you don't accept the help because you're determined to do what you want to do when you want to do it, who's fault is it if you get lost?!?!? WHO?! Is it the fault of those who have tried to guide you back? I refuse to believe that anything that I have done in MY LIFE, has caused my mother to live the way that she lives.
I left Miami a long time ago, and I do not intend to move back - EVER. It is not a very healthy place for me to be emotionally or mentally. So instead I choose to have people visit. Something my mother has not done, even when I offer to pay. So what am I to do?!? TELL ME.
And like I said... If you had any respect for my mother, you would respect her wishes and identify yourself. Call her up, let her know all the great things you're posting about her. And while you're at it, let her know that you're the one accusing her child of being a violent, drunk, drug addict. She would LOVE to know who's saying all of this about me, as I sat here and read every word of it to her on the phone.... So go ahead, CALL HER.
Thanks for your replies.
We feel your pain, and that is exactly what we wanted to hear. So often one reads about Neith Nevelson, and nothing is said about her family, or about the help her family has tried to give her.
Be assured that we care for Neith's well-being and though many people have harmed her, it is not always the case that those who come close to her want to do the same thing.
The fact remains, though, that Neith lives in such poverty, such misery, and so alone, that to say she's simply a talented eccentric is to do her a great disservice.
I don't know what has brought Neith to this level of desperation. I don't know why she lives the way she does and continues to paint and sell paintings for $50 on her own, instead of painting and selling them for $1 million dollars, which is what she deserves.
No one has been able to crack the mystery that enshrouds the life of Neith Nevelson. Unfortunately, no one has asked her family the right questions because everyone feels more compelled to write about the woman herself, Neith, and not understand her world and has brought her to this.
She's a public figure who is gaining more and more fame as she continues to defy the odds and continue to paint, unaided by anything other than raw instinct. Therefore, don't be surprised if in the future more people write more and more about this interesting painter.
Do you have a blog called Xochtlist Nation? Perhaps you should write something about your mom, Neith, from your point of view.
We'd love that.
Has anyone seen this YouTube video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIArQ1qEeSM
Enough said....
And you know what? Since you're such an expert on what happens to my mother, why don't I just send YOU money, and you can take care of her yourself??? And then you can let me know who that's working for you. I don't see anyone else trying to help her, and I don't need to answer to some random person on the internet who makes themself feel better about their own pathetic life, by writing about someone else's talent and family. Have a blessed day.
Well, since you were the one who started this conversation all I can say is that whether Neith consented to this article or not, I feel she's a great painter and deserves more attention, greater exposure and respect from the art-world.
Her private life is irrelevant.
I onluy started this conversation, because MY MOTHER ASKED ME TO POST THE COMMENT!!! Did you not read that part? Or were you too busy patting yourself on the back to see that she's ASKING WHO YOU ARE?!?! Do you not feel the need to let the very person, who you claim to care about or respect, know that you're writing a blog about her?
You're write, NOTHING in here is negative - I TOLD HER THAT. But she doesn't want to be in the dark about things that are written about her, ESPECIALLY by people who claim to know and care about her.
So instead of jumping to conclusions and insulting me, my family, and MY MOTHER in the process, you could have SIMPLY identified yourself and explain to her that you felt inspired to write about her... But you didn't. You used a public forum to try and cast stones at a house you know NOTHING ABOUT.
So many people think that they know my mother, and while they say wonderful things, they often have an ulterior motive. THAT is what i'm trying to protect her from. Selfish assholes who care more about making a name or a dollar for themselves, than helping my mother. Not to say that this is what you are doing, but I ASKED ON HER BEHALF who you were, and that you remove the blog IF you can't even identify yourself. Is that such a bad thing?!? That you identify yourself? Is that asking too much??
Or are you one those people who rave about Neith's work, buy it $50, and then turn around and sell it for thousands, and perpetuating the same hypocrisy and abandonment that you accuse her family of?
Since we still don't know WHO you are, then maybe I should make my own assumptions about you, as you did me. Is that fair enough?
And Maria... Yes, it is my blog - I just started it. Honestly, I don't want to write about my mother yet, because I don't even know WHERE to start. And I don't think I've fully learned how to deal with both the blessings and curses that come with being not only Neith's daughter, but Louise's great-granddaughter. So I rather wait until I've come full circle and reconciled my own existence on this Earth...
One day, I do plan to write a book. But it's not going to be about my mother, or anyone else - it will be about ME, and how I was able to pull myself out of a certain set of circumstances, with exceptional results.
After crying my eyes out about my mother and her antics today, and this whole thread, I realized that although my mother and her situation stresses me, angers me, and saddens me to no end, she has given me an exceptional gift - one that I can pass on to my child, and the children thereafter.
And as someone explained to me today, with exceptional things, comes a huge fucking price...I just wish wish I had a choice in paying it.
Oh, and "Anonymous"... Please do not tell me that my mother's private life is irrelevant when YOU are the one who put it on blast in a public forum, without knowing WHAT you're talking about in the first place. I mean, really!
And, why do you keep posting anonymously? At least Maria has been respectful enough to voice her opinions without hiding behind the shroud of anonymity... Thank you, Maria!
Woman, you're pissing me off! If you read the article you will notice that I have not written anything about Neith's private life. My focus has been Neith's art, of which you seem to have foul it up by your rude comments.
There's nothing in here about you, or anything pertaining to a private matter. Not that I care. It's a free country. I can write whatever I please, and about anyone, and on whatever topic.
What is your problem?
Am I selling any of Neith's painting? Has anyone paid me to write an article on Neith? Have I chosen to write anything for which Neith hasn't agreed beforehand? If she has told you otherwise, she's probably lying. Most what I feel has been written in here is good, positive, and with no ulterior motive. There isn't a link in here anywhere to EBAY, or to an art gallery, or to any such places where I can then sell off a painting for thousands of dollars.
Neith Nevelson is a public figure. As such she should be held up to a higher standard. I chose NOT to write about all the allegations made against her (such as dependence to drug and alcohol abuse), not because I couldn't, but because I chose not to. I didn't write anything about you, Louise Nevelson (except tangentially as a point of reference), or to her mother or father, or any of the family squabble. I don't care about any of this; I choose to write positive things; I don't stab Neith in the back.
But since you started down this path of criticism, tell me something about you want to be remembered by being who you are. Are you artistic? Are you talented? What positive things can you say about Neith, her talent, her upbringing, anything that will raise her to the level of greatness, not cheap, tawdry gossip, nothing of which I am intersted in.
There. The forum is yours. Regardless of who I am, it is you who has chosen to cause this back-and-forth argument which has nothing to do with art, artistic greatness, or biographical insight.
Look here...I'm saying you put her private life on blast when you insulted me and my family, after I posted a comment that MY MOTHER asked me to post...Do you have a problem with Neith Nevelson asking you about your blog? Because SHE is the one asking about it!!!
You're the one posting youtube videos of my mother, to prove some kind of sick point! Instead of writing a blog ABOUT her, when's the last time YOU tried to help her? Oh, yeah. You feel the only way you can help is to write about her, and trash anyone who asks who you are. I get it now.
I wouldn't be engaging in this "back and forth" if you didn't keep accusing me of hating my mother, and defaming the rest of our family. In fact, maybe if ou shut the F up, I won't have to respond to you again. But as soon as you respond, you best believe I'll have a comeback for your ass.
And, if you read correctly, you'll see that I said that anything I do write, WILL BE ABOUT ME and MY LIFE. Because I'm not in the business of airing dirty laundry about my mother. I haven't done such. What I did do, was defend myself from your accusations that her family has abandoned her. Something you know NOTHING about.
You don't know me, what I do, or anything else about me. I don't have to prove to you what talents I have or don't have. Frankly, it's none of your business, especially since no one knows who the hell you are. In fact, I wasn't even talking to you when I wrote that, I was responding to Maria's request that I write about my mother on my blog.
Yes, you could have written taudry things about her, and you didn't. That's great. But you're commenting on her personal life, which, is what I'm having an issue with...
I find it hilariously funny that you claim to have so much respect for her, but you have YET to dial her number and call her up to tell her who you are... What are you hiding from? To be honest with you, I have NO IDEA what you're getting out of writing about my mother, since you refuse to identify yourself to her...For all we know, you could be some crazed stalker of hers... But we'll never know, because you can't even call her up and let her know who you are... PATHETIC.
And since you want o label me as "violent", here's something for your ass... You better pray to sweet Jesus, that if I ever find out who you are, and see you out on the streets, that I'm able to control myself enough to simply PRAY for you and your pathetic existence.
Have a BLESSED day!
I did not post any YouTube video of Neith Nevelson. I don't even own a video camera. I placed the link in here only as a reference point because when I saw Neith I almost gasped. I have no idea who did it, nor do I care. In fact, I haven't seen Neith personally in over 5 years.
I feel we've lost the thread of this conversation and I don't care to discuss it further.
I see Neith. I live Neith. I breath Neith. She's my girl. I want to be like her when I grow up.
I bought a painting of Neith's back in 1991 and everywhere I move it is the centerpiece of the decor. It is an astonishing display of about 12 different faces staring out at you. It's an amazing pic.
Well I for one resent the constant refrain that Neith has been abandoned by her family. I am family and I have not abandoned her. I am disabled and barely manage to keep myself housed so out of what portion of my meager income would you have me support my sister? I think that if you knew the family better you would not make these outrageous claims and I do resent it. We all do. You can simply google the Nevelson name and see plenty of old articles that will show you part of how our heritage/monies were stolen from us and the last time was not the first time. I am not going to retry those cases here. Just let it be known that all Nevelsons resent the claim that we have abandoned Neith.
For the record: Fine artistry and business acumen are two separate skills that do not often occur in the same person. There are some good contemporary examples of people who famously have both qualities and their art is fine but it is not considered fine art. While I think it is wonderful that some in your state choose to support the mentally handicapped by purchasing their artworks I am horrified that these people often get 10X what Neith's work gets. I don't know what the answer is but people like Neith deserve appropriate pay for their work.
12/12/09 JORGE! Could you please post somewhere the name of the show and when it is due to be aired?
This is shit is so absolutely lame man. As a person and fellow artist who in the past has tried to help Neith, I can assure everyone here that Neith desires help from no one. She believes it is her due as grand daughter of Louise. I also find it incredible that the Nevelsons were cheated out of their legacy ie monies. Louise died with an estate valued in the hundreds of millions with her son Mike and Arnold Glimcher at the controls.
Neith needs help other than cash. Believe me.....
Deep inside she is a nice person but she has problems as we all do, the only difference is that hers are many and quite serious. She desires no help and the only way to help her is to involuntarily.
I wouldn't doubt it if that has been tried before as well. As to the exploitation issue, many here are right. There are OOddles of people who buy dirt cheap from her and can't wait for her to return to carbon. These are the usual rats. They did the same thing to Purvis Young. On the other hand, Neith personally gave me a few pieces as presents, out of Love, Friendship and Appreciation for me and the help, friendship and understanding I have given her. Some of these pieces I believe to be some of the best she has ever done. Neith will go her own path regardless. Daughter, Father, Sister and yes Grandmother Louise have tried over and over to help her. She will accept help other than cash when she is ready, Period! In the mean time please leave her and her family alone. They have their own problems and lives to live. Finally, I agree with the owner of this blog that he or she has the right to do it, but I will say that they shouldn't. It's her life and if she wants it blogged, she would do it herself or have someone she knows do it.
Thank You
The Ghost Of Miami
Ghost, what is INCREDIBLE is that you would make the ludicrous claim not to give Neith CASH for her work. At this time she only eats every 3 or 4 days or so. Sounds to me that you are her INVOLUNTARY friend. You are correct that this blog should not exist if TROLLS like you can come and write trash and perpetuate lies
This message has been approved by Neith.
Excuse me Dummy, I gave her lots of cash, groceries,rides,trips to the Hospital and accompanied her to a few parties etc... etc...
The Cash Was Used For Drugs
Never once did i ask for a painting. She gave them to me out of thanks for what she percieved as a real friendship. One of the pieces she did for me was a Jazz club scene because she knew I loved Jazz.
So Buzz Off and leave this family alone.
The Ghost Miami
Hello? You cannot see that she is in great physical pain? And hello? Your great state's medical experiment has meant that often she cannot get her pain Rx? People want her to paint for free, or less than the cost of supplies because of the drug accusation so as her "friend" why would you want to perpetuate that when on most days she must choose between art supplies or food?
And HELLO? I AM family. In an earlier post I invited all who are "INCREDULOUS" to google what happened to LN's estate. Instead of letting your fingers do the walking before your mouth does the TALKing - you find it more convenient to give life to a LIE.
So most of the family is rooting for Neith to finally have some success - so why don't YOU "Buzz Off" and leave us alone?
Long distance sister, if I were you I wouldn't even bother answering any of these people. Obviously the person who is writing nasty things about Neith is either:
1) Her enemy
2) A disgruntled family member
My knowledge of Neith is of a great artist. Her personally life is her own. At 63 she's entitled to do as she pleases and not be subjected to the ridicule of people. Obviously Louise Nevelson was a drunk and a bad mother. Are we going to discredit her as a great artist simply because she was a dysfunctional person? I'd venture to say that the answer is NO.
Agreed Anonymous. And here is the famous But; Neith is heartbroken that she has to battle this reputation and has a litany that she recites of relatives of famous people who have died younger than her of drug abuse and states repeatedly that if she were doing what she is accused of she would be dead already.
Also to refute Louise' reputation as stated above, she was more of an absentee mother than anything. Her own quotes about motherhood are easily seen on the internet. She made the uneasy choice that others cannot bring themselves to make. She gambled and won. Many take the risk and do not win anything but negative labels.
I love Patti Smith's song "Rock N Roll Nigger" and think that the refrain "outside of society" is appropriate here.
Since all these negative comments have destroyed my blog, I have gone on to create another, which will be found at: www.allneith.blogspot.com
Unfortunately, no comments will be moderated. What it started as a good-faith attempt to understand the paintings of my friend Neith has turned out into a bitchiness of irrevelant personal gossip. I won't have that.
If anyone has anecdotes about Neith, good or bad, and choose to tell us about it but in a respectful manner, then all are welcome to email me and I might try to incorporate it in the next blog.
Personal attacks is part of the culture we live in, and some thrive on it. I choose to stay away from it, though.
CORRECTION
Sorry, the link if anyone is interested is www.alwaysneith.blogspot.com and not the one I had said.
I have not seen Neith in many many years pal. I dont live in Miami anymore thank god. I gave her all supposed family member. Food, Money, Friendship, companionship etc.. etc... And guesss what, she has been the way she is for years before I even knew of her existence. That is a fact jack. and you know it. She has chosen her own path like it or not. She chooses Drugs over food, medication and everything else, so live with it. It's her choice. It just so happens that she is a great artist in spite of herself.. I consider the post Louise period pathetic. I am Very aware of what the tax man did to the estate and again pathetic. What is not pathetic is the inspiration that LOUISE has given me. ART FOR ART'S SAKE and I will be forever grateful to her for that. Not you, Not Neith nor Mike or anyone else that came after her. Period, end of story. I was in NYC recently and went to the Jazz Church, where Louise built it's chapel in glorious white. The place was full of people praying and meditating. You need to do the same. I will not comment here again. I wish Neith the best... Good Luck and Good Night...
The Ghost of Miami
I was your sisters friend when you were a child and I know what you are saying. I feel your paid and I hope everything goes well in your life Xochtle.
Im sorry, I feel your pain.
You were who's friend? What can you tell us about Neith, her family, and what you saw?
Neith is very ill these days. A TV show from the Telemundo Network did a documentary on her which hasn't aired yet.
Neith Nevelson may not live beyond 2010. She's gravely ill. As a result, she has made into sole custodian of all her paintings. If anyone is interested in buying one of her beautiful paintings, please check my web site: www.neithworld.com, and send me an email. In this time of great distress Neith has asked me to thank everyone for their love and respect during all these years of hardship. At the same time, she has asked me to relay this message: to please respect her privacy during these last days and to send me queries directly to me. Again the site is: NEITHWORLD.COM
T Fox that is NOT true. Neith has been plagued by an illness, but she's alive and well and expected to make a recovery.
long distance sister says
I believe that this week Telemundo will broadcast a nationally syndicated TV show it did with Neith Nevelson. The show is Caso Cerrado and it airs on most local TV stations at 4 pm.
Wow. I just saw Neith Nevelson's story in Caso Cerrado, and what a story she has! I wish her well and thank her for the beauty that she brings out in her art.
hello! the talent of this lady is extraordinary I just want to say that take care!
I too saw Caso Cerrado. I hope someone can step in and help her sell her work. Someone who cares about HER and not someone who wants to make money off of her,
I think the person who took advantage at Caso Cerrado was Ana Maria Polo who got a free painting from her and didn't ask how much it was. She took it for free!My personal opinion.
I saw Caso Cerrado and was intrigued. Without knowing her personally, it brought tears to my eyes, wishing I could run to her and help her in any way. For the Daughters and Family, I wish the profanity didn't exist in your language. You are letting the WORLD know the bad mouthing daughter Neith has. You should be ashamed of yourself! Any problems you guys had with your mother-should be forgiven because she is YOUR MOTHER. And if you need to go above and beyond for her...you should! Do you need to stop running your life-to go help mom? You damn right you do! If anything, Neith's family should be appreciative that the WORLD is Concerned and Proud of Neith Nevelson.
DO NOT buy work from anyone but NEITH!
I think Rafael is her manager
The person attacking Xcohtle should be ashamed! We care for Neith - Neith talks to her daughters and family all the time.
Please do not respond to purchasing her artwork from T.Fox, Terry or Terry Fox -- he is not friendly with Neith and I am not sure if the paintings he has are originals --I don't think he can not sell her work under the website NeithWorld without her consent -- which he does not have -
Dang! I missed the show! Neith told me that Ana Maria Polo purchased the painting from her during the show. She did not take it for free.
Lots of people take advantage of Neith. If I did not also have the same problem I would have the resource to help her. I don't. Perhaps the daughters do but this sister does not.
longdistancesister
I saw Neith tuesday at the Dr's office. She is doing poorly healthwise but still marches on. She is in constant pain. Her muscles have collapsed on her stomach and her bones are encroaching on her internal organs. They have said that any operations would be too high risk, She has also said she feels her eyes are dimming. Yes she's lonely, she feels betrayed by many. I didn't know what to say to her except I feel for her. If there was more I could do I would, but as an outside acquaintance I'm not sure what I could do.
Wow. That is so sad.
7/16/10 long distance sister cannot get through on the phone. Since TV show she never has time to really talk. Message machine is full. Not good. I'm lonely too. There is some kind of curse on us I think. Constant pain and betrayal all of our lives. But it is not just in the realm of the difficult to measure psycho-social. Nothing works right either. Things that are measurable. Sometimes I think we are on a huge blacklist for life. Neith helps me to laugh about it - she is the only one who knows how crazy it is.
7/20/10 She is OK today. Caso Cerrado under videos page 22 "Pobre nina rica" Fantastico! Whoever that Jorge is - what passion! What a great defender! (smile - & I have no Espanol) LDS
I would like to know who you are Anonymous? Issa here...I know my mother and toss no fault anyplace for the ways the cards have fallen....Neith "is" amazing...and I'm sure u have done much for her...no doubt there.
Caso Cerrado would like to do an entire hour long show with Neith and her family. However, the Nevelson family seems to be very, very divided.
If any family member of Neith is reading this and would like to participate in this show, please respond to this comment.
Caso Cerrado would like to do an entire hour long show with Neith and her family. However, the Nevelson family seems to be very, very divided.
If any family member of Neith is reading this and would like to participate in this show, please respond to this comment.
Yes, interestingly, despite her outcast position that she feels (and it is true), Neith is the only one in the family who talks to almost everybody in the family. The rest of us for the most part do not have much relationship and rarely if ever speak to each other so - good luck with that. I would like to support my sister but camera shy and fear hurting others while supporting her - it's a mess. . . . long distance sister. Issa, there are so many anonymouses here - not sure if you are referencing most recent - me - or previous?
I think it is very unfortunate that Neith Nevelsons daughter was forced to explain herself so personally, when all she asked for was the courtesy of asking her Mothers permission to keep this blog as a tribute. I thought that the phrase "I feel your pain" ended with Oprah, but regrettably it still lingers like a bad (patronizing) smell.
What is the big deal in asking Neith Nevelsons permission for this blog? Are you scared that she might suss you out to be one of those pseudo arty bullshitters? My instinct tells me that is probably the reason why you wont pick up the phone and ask her. I feel ok in lambasting you, because of your total disregard for the feelings of her daughter who is more qualified than anyone to speak on behalf her mother- whether you like it or not.
To Anonymous @ 2.47pm (first comment):
Neith Nevelson is only 65 for heavens sake and already you are planning a retrospective in her memory. Hope she didnt read your premature RIP. Judging by the vigor in her work, Ms Nevelson will be painting well into her youthful 90s and beyond.
(This and the last two comments have been from me, and my name is Anthony)
Amo su pintura y desearia tener aunque sea un cuadrito de caballo de 10x10cm, o tomar clases con ella. Lamentablemente no vivo en USA ni tampoco tengo recursos como para comprar un cuadro. Amaria invitarla a Chile sobre todo el sur, me muero de curiisidad de como pintaria ese paisaje que tanto amo. Personalmente no tengo interes de saber de su vida personal ni de quien fue su abuela o sus hijas. Solo admiro su forma de ver las cosas con unos pocos trazos. Me parece una persona que seria entretenido escribirle o mantener una conversacion.
Bebix, I agree with what you say. I'm from Dominican Republic and I just saw that Caso Cerrado program dedicated to this wonderful artist Neith. It was great to hear her say that we should not focus on the pain but to live. If your daughter can read this comment, tell your mother that I admire, not only for its painting, but also by the way they look at life. "Bebix, comparto lo que dice. Soy de Republica Dominicana y acabo de ver el programa que Caso Cerrado dedico a esa maravillosa artista Neith. Fue sensacional escucharla decir que no debemos concentrarnos en el dolor sino en vivir. Si su hija puede leer este comentario, digale a su madre que la admiro, no solo por su pintura, pero tambien por su forma de contemplar la vida".
solo quiero hacerles saber que cuando los padres tienen a sus hijos los protegen de todo y de todos, se quitan el bocado de la boca para darselos a sus hijos y yo no entiendo como pueden haber hijos tan mal agradecidos que cuando, los padres tienen una edad, ya les estorban y son incapaces esos malos hijos de responderle de igual manera con amor y cariño, vi un programa de la sra. neith y me parecio una persona falta de amor por su familia, es incrible que muchas veces entre familia no exista la palabra AMOR. hay dicho que dice haz bien y no mires aquien. Migdalis
Damn I want to buy a painting from neith.....I got $50 on it!!!
hi
I just wanted to share an amazing experience I had with Neith, independent of all the craziness on this blog. Five years ago, I met Neith and asked her to paint for me, whatever inspired her. I was 30. Days later, she handed me a picture of a nude woman and she told me...."look how she is standing so triumphantly, without her breasts". I was confused about her choice but still loved the piece. I had my breasts removed in March of this year. I swear she knew five years before I did. She is a very amazing woman. And I feel grateful to have shared such an experience with her.
Thanks for introducing me to Neith, she looks like a distinctive, unique and fascinating artist!
Met her today! Saw a painting she did 10 minutes before I went in her room. The painting is beautiful. I am glad I got a chance to meet her. An incredible woman indeed. A beautiful soul.
Jorge Reyes,
You introduced me to Neith’s horses about 20 years ago. I agree with your description of the work. I am glad to know that she continues in spite of the daily physical obstacles described in the previous blogs. John Medina RA, AIA
Post a Comment