Yesterday, en route to Potsdam, I stopped in Syracuse to visit the Everson Museum of Art. You never know what you're gonna find in small regional museums.
I discovered the works of two artists who are new to me. Their paintings are impressive. One artist, Morris Louis, lived during the Abstract Expressionist period and the other, Angela Fraleigh, is painting now.
The museum lobby has two large paintings, one by Helen Frankenthaler and another by Morris Louis. That makes sense because Helen influenced Morris; both were painting in the 1950s and Morris adopted Helen's new technique of staining canvas with poured acrylic paint. Morris, unlike Helen, lived in Baltimore and had a long affiliation with the Maryland Institute (where Grace Hartigan later taught). Morris was heralded by art critic Clement Greenberg who also lauded Helen and Grace. Sadly, Morris died at an early age (49) from cancer in 1962.
Angela Fraleigh is a young artist working in both New York and Pennsylvania where she teaches at Moravian College. One of her paintings struck me and I'm considering acquiring some other available pieces.
Photos below of their respective paintings.
I very much like the bottom painting. What a fun discovery!
ReplyDeleteInteresting pieces of art Ally. The second piece I like but the first piece I'm not that impressed with.
ReplyDeleteHis goal is somewhat technical: he was an originator of the "Color Field" school of painting. Artists of that era were breaking convention and trying new things. They'd come off the horrors of the Second World War and were disillusioned.
DeleteLooks like a great visit! I absolutely love Morris Louis.
ReplyDeleteThat second piece is breathtaking. I can only imagine it in person. This has me itching for gallery visits.
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