Serpentine Saffron 1969

Curator: Okay, let’s delve into Richard Pousette-Dart's "Serpentine Saffron," created in 1969 using oil paint in a style referred to as "matter painting." Editor: Looking at this oil painting, the density of the paint makes me think of fields of flowers, like impasto but even more textured. It feels celebratory. What stands out to you? Curator: Considering its historical context, "Serpentine Saffron" comes at a point when Abstract Expressionism, although established, faced challenges from Pop Art and Minimalism. Pousette-Dart stayed committed to his unique vision. I'm interested in the title—"Saffron"—conjuring ideas of value and rarity and this "Serpentine" line. It evokes primal, almost mystical imagery. What role might those forces play do you think in artistic circles? Editor: It makes me think that artists at the time were struggling to maintain some spiritual aspects to art, despite the strong materialistic forces gaining traction. Is that reflected in critical writing and theory of the era? Curator: Precisely! Critics like Clement Greenberg championed a formalist approach, while others sought a more nuanced reading of Abstract Expressionism, recognizing its psychological and even spiritual undercurrents. "Serpentine Saffron" perhaps stands as a testament to that internal conflict, reflecting the socio-political landscape. What have you gained from our conversation? Editor: It is interesting how much socio-historical information you can uncover through just color and texture of matter-painting! Curator: Indeed. This work, far from being merely abstract, becomes a visual document of a specific cultural moment and artistic struggle.