Neil Williams was one of the first American artists to investigate the aesthetic potential of the irregularly shaped canvas. He initially depicted hard-edged geometric forms, but eventually turned to a painterly abstract style. In 1960, he began exhibiting in New York and continued throughout his career. Williams first solo show was held at the Green Gallery in Manhattan in 1964. During that same year, he participated in the exhibition The Shaped Canvas, organized by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, where his work hung alongside of artists such as Frank Stella and Paul Feely. Over the years Williams paintings appeared in a number of group shows devoted and advanced trends in American art, including Systemic painting, curated by Lawrence Alloway and held at the Guggenheim in 1966. He also had solo exhibitions at the Andre Emmerich Gallery in New York and the Dwan Gallery in Los Angeles. Although he exhibited regularly in New York and could often be seen at the legendary Max's Kansas City, he gradually distanced himself from the downtown art scene. He spent a majority of his time in Sagaponack, New York where he shared a studio with Frank Stella. By the 1970's Williams evoked a "technique of sculptural collage whereby he applied the canvas" while continuing to emphasize the structural integrity of the support. He later created colorful abstractions in which he synthesized landscape and floral elements inspired by the ambience he encountered in Brazil.

This exhibition encompasses all facets of Neil Williams works. "Painting with the Best of Them" refers to his relationships with many well known artists including Frank Stella, John Chamberlain and Andy Warhol. The show will be on view September 13th - October 25th, 2018.