In Unique Act the editor argues that abstraction is a tradition, grounded in art history and invigorated by contemporary practitioners. Seven authors consider and celebrate the work of five artists whose work is on display at Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane. The introduction places these painters in a developed tradition of abstract painting, tracing their ancestry as far back as the Old Masters and making links with Impressionist art. Each artist is discussed by an essayist apart...
More DescriptionIn Unique Act the editor argues that abstraction is a tradition, grounded in art history and invigorated by contemporary practitioners. Seven authors consider and celebrate the work of five artists whose work is on display at Dublin City Gallery the Hugh Lane. The introduction places these painters in a developed tradition of abstract painting, tracing their ancestry as far back as the Old Masters and making links with Impressionist art. Each artist is discussed by an essayist apart from Frederic Thursz who is treated twice. Thursz holds an elevated position in the history of abstraction; he was a legendary figure in the 1970s and 1980s. Sean Scully is assuming his mantle in the contemporary art scene. Carmengloria Morales looks back to an older time, painting her abstract work on tondos and diptychs. Ruth Root and Sean Shanahan challenge many of the norms of the abstract traditions. This book makes a significant contribution to art-historical discourse with its measured critique and dazzling pictures.