East German Art Makes its Way to the US

The Dresden-based painter, Wolfgang Smy, who created this 48-by-59 inch work, was among the first East German artists to be shown in the United States, in December 1989. The oil painting ``Water Polo'' was done in 1988, and is based on sketches Smy made at a local swimming pool in summer. There, according to Smy, he was able to be among people and out of his studio. The painting shows his search for freedom of gesture and movement.