Joseph Stella exhibit features rare nature paintings from the pioneering artist at the High

Joseph Stella's oil on canvas "Flowers," painted in 1931. (Courtesy of The High Museum)

The Italian American pioneering artist Joseph Stella was born in Italy in 1877, made his way to New York in 1896 and, by 1913, was acclaimed for his daring depictions of New York City. His futurist-inspired paintings of modern life were well ahead of their time. And although he painted a wide array of subjects, the exhibition “Joseph Stella: Visionary Nature” is the first major museum exhibition dedicated to his nature paintings.

The show is on view now through May 21 at the High Museum. In this interview, “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with Stephanie Heydt, the curator of American art and lead exhibition curator at the High Museum, about the exhibit.

More information about the exhibition can be found here.