Fields of Color
November 9-January 11, 2020
Vivian Springford and Jules Olitski
American painter, Vivian Springford contributed to the Abstract Expressionist genre in the 50’s and was included in the groundbreaking exhibition Women of Abstract Expressionism celebrating the often unknown or rediscovered female artists of this mid twentieth century art movement. Her practice was guided by the Chinese calligraphic philosophy that every mark is virtuosic-even in its imperfection.
Jules Olitski is one of the predominant pioneers of the Colorfield movement and focused on the material qualities of surface and color and their interaction. His use of an industrial spray gun to lightly apply paint to the unprimed canvas creates the effect of hazy color suspended midair.
Springford’s approach beginning in the 70’s are closely aligned also with the Colorfield movement. She developed a method of stain painting that was distinctly her own and a departure from the gesture and spatter of the 50’s work. Springford described her vision as an
“attempt to identify with the universal whole..I want to find my own small plot or pattern of energy that will express the inner me in terms of rhythmic movement and color. The expansive center of the universe, of the stars, and of nature is my constant challenge in abstract terms.” Many of the works in the exhibition bear the title ‘Expansionist Series. Her seductive uses of color and highly accomplished technique have led to her resurrection after years of obscurity to take her rightful place alongside her contemporaries.
