Micro-Painting 1968

Editor: Here we have Gene Davis’s "Micro-Painting" from 1968, rendered with acrylic paint. The vibrant orange ground and delicate pink lines create a somewhat meditative, if minimalist, experience for me. How do you interpret this work, especially considering the social context of its time? Curator: It's a striking piece! Considering the period, what immediately grabs me is how Davis engages with, and perhaps even subtly critiques, the prevalent notions of masculinity in the art world through his emphasis on minimalism. Think about it: 1968 was a year of immense social upheaval. Does this work speak to any kind of societal tension for you? Editor: I hadn't considered it that way, I mostly just thought about the colors... But maybe that the starkness relates to anxieties or constraints? The title "Micro-Painting" seems almost self-deprecating, which could play into that, perhaps? Curator: Precisely! The self-deprecation you identified and scale pushes against the monumental ambitions often associated with Abstract Expressionism. Could it be a comment on the very notion of grand narratives? This was, after all, a period where established power structures were being challenged. How do you think his use of color fits into this discourse? Editor: Well, the colors are almost playful despite the rigid composition. The juxtaposition maybe hints at underlying tensions, or an urge toward both constraint and expression. Does that make sense? Curator: Absolutely. It shows that his focus isn't on rejecting formalism wholesale, but instead thinking how this push-and-pull reveals how gendered perceptions affected artists during the 60s and beyond. His choice of supposedly ‘feminine’ colors could serve to undermine patriarchal expectations. Considering these layers deepens my appreciation for his approach. What’s your final reflection? Editor: It is interesting how this abstract painting can address cultural issues like gender. This new lens definitely shifts my view of the work and Abstract Expressionism in general!