Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the ‘50s and ‘60s
Abstract paintings are not what the painting shows but what the painting is. Franz Kline’s role of color displays a language of abstraction. He was an action painter by the way the brush strokes whipped around on the canvas. It’s the end of the painting and where to stop is sometimes a surprise to the painter. Jasper Johns’ Flag (1954) is an abstract work of art that is not hard to study what the painting shows. It is the American flag. But as you look closer and the painting it has many layers of paint. This actually shows what the painting “is” a Country with many layers and when you zoom out it is America.
The Power of Art: Rothko
Rothko called the colors in his paintings acts of performance. He was interested in displaying basic human emotions. Matisse was able to switch the light on in Rothko’s mind. He knew he was thinking too much about his painting. After the war he wanted to do something fresh. He was working on the Seagram mural project for a long time. It’s not what the paintings are, it’s what they do. The sharp separation of the rows of color show a powerful glue that sticks your eyes on the canvas and escape from the world and concentrate on the work.
Andy Warhol: Images of an Image
Stencils and acrylic paintings of the Campbell soup cans are my favorite of course since my last name is Campbell. He was made famous by the images of Marilyn Monroe. His use of silk screening by using photos taken and repeating the images is what he is known for. The screen used to be made of silk and a light sensitive film is applied and then the enlarged picture is placed at the back and light is shot through the silk screen. The pattern can be used over and over by placing the screened image on the canvas and layering ink with a flat edge guide. The Ten Lizzie’s is a great example of this receptiveness.
Isamu Noguchi: The Sculptures of Spaces
A garden isn’t viewed from any one spot. It is to be walked through and experienced. The sculptures in the fountains, with the water running down through the cracks, are strategically placed. Making his works for the enjoyment of others is evident in the building of playgrounds. He wants the people to enjoy the work instead of the work being stuck in a museum. Imperfection is better than perfection. This is a very strong statement.
My views of paintings are changing on a daily basis and I like it. I am getting more entertainment out of paintings than ever before. I like to look at what paintings do and what they show and compare that to what they are.
Thank you
