From a High Place II 1946

Arshile Gorky made "From a High Place II" with oil paint and charcoal, likely in the 1940s, materials that sit squarely within the traditions of fine art. But look closer, and you can see Gorky's distinct approach to these materials. Notice the energetic application of pigment, with areas of loose cross-hatching and thinly applied layers of color. The charcoal lines aren't just for outlining; they actively shape the forms, adding a sense of movement and instability. Gorky’s process was all about layering and reworking, building up surfaces through the application of paint and charcoal. This mirrors the labor-intensive nature of craft practices, where objects acquire meaning through repeated gestures. It encourages us to rethink the hierarchies between so-called "high art" and craft. The piece embodies the kind of experimentation and material engagement central to both creative practices, and invites us to consider the social values embedded in the making process.