Abstract acrylic Yellow Plane by Robert Kaupelis
Rothko, Cy Twombly, Picasso, Robert Kaupelis and even Alexandra Nechita share similarities that academics and collectors advocate – the ability to connect with a work visually. Rothko’s White Center stood in David Rockefeller’s collection at the insistence of Peggy Guggenheim. She advised a traditional art collector at the time to reach beyond the hunt scenes and visually “stale” impressionists. Bright, balanced and abstract proved to be a long term reward for Rockerfeller – he was quoted as saying his $10,000 investment in the 1960’s was by far his most prized and treasured work – one which rewarded him handsomely in 2007.
Abstraction is a tricky genre though. You either love it or hate it. When you do indeed love it – you may react with an internal chuckle or respond with “you gotta look at this” to your closest friend or family while entertaining. Picasso’s Marie-Thérèse is a frequent subject in his works. Beyond the deconstructed bulls and struggles with his inner “demons” he found a pure joy in referencing her presence – some obvious and some mere clues to be uncovered on a vase.
Critically looking at an abstract work the artist has to provide a visual marker. It’s a point of reference. A Twombly painting may victoriously follow an included word while professor Robert Kaupelis would have given a linear reference – taped out shapes, homes, even trees. Each a place one would want to begin a visual day.
Destroy No More by Alexandra Nechita
The composition of tones and shapes form the feeling an artist shares. Alexandra Nechita’s paintings, titled to ensure a connection, fuse color with themes found around her – both as a young girl and today as a freshly minted 26 year old. Her journey unlike Picasso was routed in family, peace and hope. Those who have followed Alexandra’s works connect from her distinct cubist style along with the title of a work. Academically they are not works titled by being untitled (i.e. Untitled #1, Untitled 201, ect). She has a populist following – one where many are invited to enjoy and immerse in a visual understanding of a fine artist.
