Angel Trails 1970

Sam Francis created ‘Angel Trails’ using vibrant pigments on canvas, leaving a central void that draws our attention. Born in California, Francis was part of a generation of artists after the Second World War who sought new forms of expression. Consider the influence of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that challenged traditional artistic norms, celebrating individual expression and the subconscious. The post-war period in the United States fostered an environment where innovation was encouraged, and institutions like museums and galleries played a vital role in promoting these new styles. Francis's work can be seen as a commentary on the boundless possibilities of the time. To fully understand ‘Angel Trails’, one could explore the archives of art institutions, artists’ writings, and social histories of the period. Such research can offer insight into the social context that shaped Francis’s artistic vision.