Save the Date 2016

Curator: Let's take a moment with Albrecht Behmel's 2016 piece, "Save the Date," crafted with acrylic paint. Editor: My first thought? Organized chaos. It's bursting with vibrant colors, almost like a mosaic, but the lack of defined shapes keeps it delightfully jarring. Curator: Behmel often works within the realm of abstract expressionism, and you see hints of figuration within the broader abstract composition here. We should consider how art movements have historically blurred the lines between representation and abstraction, and what impact that has on the viewers. Editor: It’s almost overwhelmingly joyful, but I’m wondering, looking at that title—"Save the Date"—is this supposed to represent a crowd, perhaps a protest? It is almost as if we are invited to disentangle themes of collectivity from the riot of colour. What kind of "date" are we talking about saving? Curator: It's tempting to connect that potential imagery with his broader social commentary. Historically, much art labelled ‘abstract’ has ties to broader issues and historical anxieties despite rejecting clear depictions. Post-Impressionism could inform our approach, focusing as it did on themes within personal lived experiences. Editor: I am captivated by that potential for tension. Is it about joyous union or looming crisis? Also, something in its design references familiar landscapes, but fragments those assumptions. It is both calming and disconcerting simultaneously! It suggests broader narratives related to power dynamics but requires careful reflection. Curator: Perhaps the strength is in the very ambiguity. Behmel’s refusal to give easy answers places agency back with us. In doing so, his approach is entirely relevant to today’s concerns about engagement. He isn’t offering answers, only inciting conversation. Editor: Precisely! It’s a visual echo of so many social events from recent years, those intersections of hope, fear and determination that drive our age. I am grateful he captures those collective feelings, instead of spelling out specific moments, or agendas. Curator: Absolutely. And by extension, perhaps museums serve a function similar to that, to spark, enable debate…not necessarily direct thought. Editor: I think this will sit with me for a long while. Thanks for guiding my gaze to the socio-political aspect; that completely reshapes my view of his intent and technique!