Image of the Day

Hans Hartung, T1989-L14, 1989 (acrylic on canvas, 76 x 51 in.)

Cheim & Read's posthumous show of Hartung's work, opening this Friday, is the first in NYC since a poorly received exhibition at the Met in 1975. (What did anyone know back then anyway?) This show features work from the last 2 years of Hartung's life. From the gallery's press release:

In the last year of his life (Hartung died in December 1989), he produced 360 paintings [ed. what!] - a monumental accomplishment, especially given his restricted physical condition. Confined to his wheelchair, he seemed to focus entirely on his creative output . . . . His spray paint technique facilitated productivity – the sensitivity of the sprayer allowed Hartung to exercise control over the canvas without physical strain. . . . These works hint at the natural world, the qualities of light and shadow, and the infinitude of space, while remaining distinct artistic entities, anticipatory of contemporary concerns.

The show closes out the year at Cheim & Read; more info here.