Seymour Lipton: Abstract Organic Forms

Seymour Lipson - Imprisoned Figure - 1948 - Wood and sheet lead - 7’ 3/4" x 30 7/8" x 23 5/8" (215.2 x 78.3 x 59.9 cm) - Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) New YorkSeymour Lipton (1903-1986) American sculptor known for his forceful, metal sculptures of abstract organic forms. The play between external and internal forms dominates Lipton’s later work. His characteristically massive, textured pieces twist, curve, and seem frozen on the verge of opening. They are frequently suggestive of and titled after animals and plants.

Mark Tobey: Complex Abstractions

Mark Tobey - Ritual - 1973 - Color lithograph - 12 1/2 x 10 in. - Gift of Everett A. Lowe, Jr., 1978 - The Phillips Collection, Washington, DCMark Tobey (1890-1976) was an American painter who created complex, abstract compositions. Although his work resembles Abstract Expressionism, Tobey was not philosophically aligned with that group. He traveled extensively and was had a strong interest in Eastern religions. Tobey was a founder of the Northwest School, an art movement based in the Seattle area of the state of Washington.

O’K Corrals

Abiquiu Home and Studio - Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986) bought her house in Abiquiu in 1945, which is now owned by the Museum.The 5,000-square-foot Spanish Colonial-era Abiquiu compound was in ruins in 1945, and for the next four years, O’Keeffe supervised its restoration, which was carried out by her friend, Maria Chabot. (click photo for larger image)

“A book chronicles the transformation of two New Mexico properties into distinctly O'Keeffian studios and residences.”

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Georgia O'Keeffe and Her Houses: Ghost Ranch and Abiquiu by Barbara Buhler Lynes and Agapita Judy Lopez is available on Amazon.

The Exhibitions That Changed Art History

Manuel Mendive’s Lifewas performed at the Second Havana Biennial in 1986. LUIS CAMNITZER/©MANUEL MENDIVE/COURTESY LUIS CAMNITZER 

“For his newest book, Bruce Altshuler selects the 25 most influential art shows from the last 40 years.”

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This is an interesting article that also links you to a variety of other fascinating articles. I’m sure Altshuler’s latest book will prove to be a worthwhile read. It’s entitled  Biennials and Beyond: Exhibitions that Made Art History: 1962-2002 (Phaidon) and his available on Amazon (just click the above link).

Bruce Altshuler is the Director of the Program in Museum Studies, for the Graduate School of Arts and Science, at New York University (NYU).

Jack Levine: American Social Realist

Jack Levine - The Patriarch of Moscow on a Visit to Jerusalem - 1975 - Oil on canvas - 213.2 x 237 cm (84 x 96 in.) - Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection (click photo for larger image)American painter Jack Levine (1915-2010) was a Social Realist, who became well-known for his satirical paintings on modern life, political corruption, and biblical narratives. Born of Lithuanian Jewish parents, Levine grew up in the South End of Boston. He was part of the WPA program established by FDR, and he served in the Army during WWII. Levine loathed the abstract art that was so heavily touted in his day, and drew inspiration instead from such masters as Titan and Velázquez. In their New York Times obituary, he was described as “...an unrepentant and much-admired realist artist whose crowded history paintings skewered plutocrats, crooked politicians and human folly.”