Running Horses 

Editor: Here we have Robert Goodnough’s "Running Horses", an acrylic on canvas piece. It strikes me as so dynamic, capturing the essence of movement with these fragmented, almost pixelated strokes of color. How would you interpret this work? Curator: This piece sits at an interesting crossroads in art history. Goodnough, while clearly influenced by Abstract Expressionism, also seems to be looking back at earlier movements like Futurism and even Pointillism in its depiction of movement. Consider the societal context – the mid-20th century, a time of rapid technological advancement and a growing fascination with speed and dynamism. How do you think the historical moment influenced Goodnough’s aesthetic choices here? Editor: That’s fascinating. It makes me think about how the post-war period must have influenced artists to try and capture motion and fleeting moments as a contrast to the perceived stability they yearned for. The geometric shapes and brush strokes are reminiscent of shattered experiences. Curator: Exactly! And think about the role of institutions – museums and galleries – in shaping the reception of abstract art. The rise of Abstract Expressionism was heavily promoted by American art institutions, often to assert a cultural dominance during the Cold War. Do you see any of that political subtext reflected, perhaps subtly, in the assertive energy of this painting? Editor: I never thought about it that way, but the sheer scale and vibrancy do seem like a bold statement. It’s like saying, "Here we are, strong and energetic," through abstract means. Curator: Precisely. And considering that abstract art can be interpreted in different ways, there are those who consider horses in art as symbolic of freedom and power, themes frequently intertwined with socio-political aspirations and sometimes used in government imagery. Seeing these “Running Horses”, where does the power truly lie, the brush stroke or the political climate it finds itself running in? Editor: That's a really compelling insight. I will never look at abstract expressionism the same way again! Curator: And hopefully, I have empowered you to explore that question yourself.