Search
Close this search box.

Pioneer new realm of virtual space // American painter Al held

What makes an artist a pioneer in the art industry? Perhaps the current art form couldn’t satisfy the way of creation or have an art concept to represent. Finding an art style of your own and making an establishment takes time to experiment, practice and evolve. Al Held (1928 to 2005), was an American painter known for geometric abstraction and hard-edge painting, and he became a pioneer of new realms of virtual space in the later years of his practice. The concept may have coincided with the technological concept of the digital sphere, which was emerging in the 1980s. As an art form, artist Held explored dimensions in abstract and gestural expressionist painting using geometrical principles to illusory spatial and visual configurations, cubes and complex forms of sphere interaction. Those expand the perspective beyond the canvas and achieve infinity. 

What is Art style and artists that inspired him significantly

The Abstract Expressionism inspired Held during his establishment in art. The source suggested his art practices were impacted by the major figures of the Abstract Expressionist movement in New York such as Franz Kline (1910 to 1962) and Jackson Pollock (1912 to 1956). Kline is best known for black-and-white abstractions. Pollock is best known for his pioneering action paintingGestural Abstraction” in which he used the “drip technique” of pouring or splashing liquid paint onto canvas to convey movement in emotions.  

A space that is in constant flux, that is never at rest, that is rational.

Significant periods in Held's art practice

1950s Abstraction Expressionism

1960s Geometric abstraction 

1980s Bright Geometric abstraction, which means the deepness achieves infinity. 

Selected artist held's masterworks across 5-decade

White Cube has recently exhibited a significant 5-decade range of Held’s works and put a title of “About Space”. We can see that there are some changes in his practices. 

Have you noticed the style changes? What are your thoughts about abstraction expressionism artworks?

Comment below. 

Thank you for reading

Follow Instagram @angelaleetheart for more art inspiration or DM for artwork buying or home art advice. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Discover more from angelalee

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading