Development 1984

Robert Goodnough created this painting titled "Development" using oil on canvas. Goodnough's abstract style invites us to consider how institutions, like museums, shape artistic reception. Looking at this painting, one can observe how the careful arrangement of abstract shapes creates a sense of movement and evolution. Made in the United States, perhaps in the mid-20th century, this work exists within a cultural context deeply influenced by post-war optimism, but also, a fear of rapid industrialization. The painting's title, "Development," might hint at the artist's commentary on social progress. Is it self-consciously progressive, critiquing the established art institutions of the time by pushing the boundaries of representation? To truly grasp its meaning, one might explore archives, delve into exhibition catalogs, and research Goodnough's contemporaries. By understanding the social and institutional forces that shaped its creation, we can appreciate the richness and complexity of this seemingly simple abstract work.