Patrick Willett
Some of the most treasured works in the Albright Knox Art Gallery's permanent collection are finally returning home. These stellar works have had their day on the national stage as part of the Abstract/Action show now on view at the Albright Knox. These paintings belong to Buffalo today due to the insight of Seymour H. Knox Jr. and the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, which became the Albright Knox as we know it.
I've thought of the Albright Knox as a sanctuary from my earliest days. I can remember being absolutely taken in by certain works as a child, only to find out much later in life their significance and that of the permanent collection as a whole. It seems the most important work by many of the giants of modern art were snapped up early on by our gallery, as if by divine reckoning.
One such work is Jackson Pollock's "Convergence" (above). I have always been fascinated with the energy inherent in the painting and the process of how it was painted. To this day, I can't focus on this masterpiece without first locating the matchstick stuck in the paint; it adds a human touch to an almost otherworldly piece of art.
I can't tell you how many times I've heard the phrase "I don't like modern art" as if talking about a restaurant or a bad CD. As with anything worthwhile in this world, certainly there is something within the "modern art" genre that would both attract and surprise anyone. If you haven't been to the gallery for a while, this is a perfect time to get re-acquainted with one of the premier art institutions in North America.
Arshile Gorky, The Liver Is the Cock's Comb, 1944, oil on canvas.
Abstract Expressionism, action painting and all the other terms, movements and "isms" have an almost unnerving effect on the newbie viewer. The intimidation factor of modern art is real but unwarranted. The work that most appeals to me is art that needs no explanation, but stands on its own. Upon exploration, the era and movement in which it was produced and the struggles of the artist have great appeal, but are just icing on the cake.
Works by de Kooning, Rothko, Gorky and possibly my favorite, Clyfford Still, have been part of my visual experience as long as I can remember. I somehow thought they were mine, which they are in a way, but also of major importance to the art world at large.
This show and the recognition that it brings
points out just a small part of the world class assets right under our noses.
We possess great riches in this town.
The Albright Knox, the new Burchfield Penny, our magnificent architecture and Olmsted park system, are all evidence that Buffalo is fast becoming recognized as the cultural gem that it is.
The show "Action Abstraction" currently on view at the Albright Knox, is built upon some of the essential works of the Albright Knox's permanent collection, including Jackson Pollock's Convergence, and Willem de Kooning's Gotham City News.
The exhibition was organized by The Jewish Museum, New York in collaboration with the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo and the Saint Louis Art Museum.
The gallery is open every day except Monday
and free on Fridays from 3 to 10PM as part of the Gusto at the Gallery series
of events. Action/Abstraction is on view through June 10th.
I miss staring at the giant Rothko at the Knox until the bars floated out into space, like a 3D movie.