Untitled (SFP94-141, SFF.1811) 1994

Sam Francis, an American artist, made this untitled painting, SFP94-141, with acrylic on canvas. Francis’s abstract expressionism is a departure from earlier American art, reflecting a post-war cultural shift. It breaks from traditional representation, mirroring a society questioning established norms. The bold colors and spontaneous forms embody a sense of freedom and individuality, values celebrated during the Cold War era. Francis was influenced by the rise of the New York art scene, where institutions like museums and galleries played a crucial role in promoting abstract art. The artist's style challenges conventional notions of beauty and craftsmanship, critiquing the art establishment's emphasis on realism and academic training. To understand Francis’s work, scholars consult archival materials, such as the artist's letters and exhibition catalogs. The meaning of art changes depending on its social and institutional context.