Show Report: Yuroz “Jazz Collection” Debut, A Magical Event at Exposures Gallery, Sedona, AZ

“In applying today’s vocabulary to my classical language, the process of creating the Jazz Collection rejuvenates me.” – Yuroz

The Jazz Collection has a few basic components: it starts with the classical Yuroz lines, this time with plain bright colors, shades, textures, and the black divide with varied thicknesses. Each element is akin to an instrument in a piece of Jazz music and together they make many Jazz tunes.

“In making the Jazz Collection, I have condensed 40 years of skills, staying true to my classical language with vivid images as I cut out details. In other words, I didn’t simplify my language. Instead, I amplified my message with simplification,” beamed Yuroz as he pointed at the wall of Yuroz lovers, “These paintings have light coming out of them … the lovers beam happiness and instantly draw viewers in.”

It was a fun-filled weekend of beautiful artwork displays and soul-soothing exchanges. Locals, vacationers, and purposeful travelers specially came to the show to meet their favorite artists. It was nothing short of magical. Many would-have-been strangers became friends, drawn together by one common thread: the love of art. This community has been nurtured by the proprietor of Exposures Gallery of Fine Art, Marty Herman, who along with his team of knowledgeable art consultants curated unique art pieces, each as a personal reward or a luxurious gift for all occasions.

The highlight for Yuroz was interacting with viewers and collectors. This give-and-take always energizes and inspires the artist as he sojourns in his artistic journey. Yuroz also had a chance to present a few pieces of his classical cubist work and see visitors show up wearing his scarves from the “Visual Poetry You Wear” collection.

For those who followed Yuroz for a long time, the white shirt with impromptu original drawings by Yuroz is a familiar scene. Public show attendees used to line up at Yuroz booths to have their white garments drawn on as they exchanged life stories.

Tif Choate, a visual artist, first saw images of artwork by Yuroz in an airline magazine 20 years ago. When she saw the announcement about the unveiling of “The Jazz Collection” in Sedona, AZ, she and her husband decided to make the long drive to meet Yuroz for the first time. She told us that she went home and painted “The Hug” and “Untitled Inspiration”, from Yuroz in the 90s after seeing that magazine, and how his work had influenced her work ever since.

Yuroz was very moved. He even drew her a necklace with permanent markers, along with gifting her an original drawing on her blouse.

The event was featured on the front page of the Weekend Edition for the Sedona Red Rock News for that Friday Oct. 7th, 2022.