Motivity - October 62 1962

Donald Roberts made this print, "Motivity - October 62," in 1962, using lithography. This abstract composition of bold, black strokes hints at movement and energy. The early 1960s were a period of intense social and political change in the United States. Abstract Expressionism, with its emphasis on individual expression, was still influential, but artists were beginning to explore new ways to engage with the world around them. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum and the threat of nuclear war loomed large. Roberts' choice of abstraction can be seen as a response to these turbulent times. Rather than depicting specific events or figures, he creates a visual language that speaks to the underlying forces shaping society. The bold, gestural strokes suggest both the dynamism of progress and the potential for disruption. To fully understand this work, we might consider its relationship to the art institutions of the time, researching the galleries and museums that championed abstract art and how they were perceived by the public. This will give a better idea of how Roberts' art reflects the mood of the time.