Some thoughts on the new exhibit at MOMA: Abstract Expressionist New York. There’s a lot of great work in this exhibit including a room of Rothko paintings that’s pretty amazing. This show is like a greatest hits of the MOMA collection, circa 1950. It isn’t about re-thinking the era or showing lesser known artists, these are the winners. The exhibit hits a lot of high notes: a room full of Jackson Pollocks dripping off the walls! Barnett Newman! David Smith sculptures! Franz Kline! Arshile Gorky! Philip Guston! Robert Motherwell! Ad Reinhardt’s paintings provide a nice contrast to all of the turbulent brushwork with their cool rectangular meditations and subtle color variations. But it kind of leaves me longing for something in a minor key, something a little unexpected. Is it rude to ask for more when given so much? Probably. Yes.
MS
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