Untitled 

Curator: Robert Goodnough’s Untitled presents a captivating study in abstraction. Executed in acrylic paint, this painting exemplifies Abstract Expressionism. Editor: My first impression is how unsettled it feels. The composition, with its interwoven shapes and contrasting hues, creates a sense of movement, as if the forms are perpetually shifting. Curator: What is remarkable about Goodnough's approach is the labor apparent in the painting, as he skillfully applied layers upon layers of paint, giving each form and brushstroke an independent character yet uniting them in the total assembly. Goodnough was very aware of the art market he was operating in, which complicates this act. Editor: This reminds me of how many artists wrestled with the perceived divide between representation and abstraction at mid-century, caught between formal experimentation and responding to social unrest. Considering this context, I wonder if the lack of a clear subject can itself be seen as a conscious political decision, and what social class could both produce this art and have it reproduced. Curator: I see what you’re getting at. And in a society undergoing profound transformation, the artist's emphasis on abstraction could indeed speak to shifting cultural landscapes. However, let's not overlook how Goodnough meticulously engages with the material properties of paint. By drawing attention to his medium and the processes of production, the artist subtly prompts a focus on artistic choices. Editor: That's valid. And there's certainly a lot to be gained from attending to Goodnough’s craftsmanship. Still, I wonder how the social meanings generated in these paintings engage us as contemporary viewers? Is it possible to imagine alternate meanings that challenge our expectations for how artworks "should" behave? Curator: I agree on the need for historical consciousness, while looking to the future! I suppose for me, seeing Goodnough's Untitled brings attention to the tangible act of art making and opens to the experience of his era. Editor: For me, viewing artworks like Goodnough's, always bring attention to not only what is visually represented, but what kind of discourse surrounds this piece—then and now.