Coney Island II 1964

Richard Lindner's painting, Coney Island II, is a tableau vivant of synthetic cubism. The canvas is bisected into bold geometric sections, some painted in blocks of color and others featuring representational figures. I wonder about the experience Lindner might have had, balancing the push-and-pull of abstraction and figuration. I can imagine him pondering the challenge of capturing the essence of his subjects while still honoring the integrity of the painted surface. Look at the way he uses color to create depth and dimension. That red outline in the central blue circle is hot against cold. It's a really interesting and energetic way to draw the eye into the center of the painting. Lindner is in conversation with the early cubists like Picasso and Braque, but he’s also paving his own path, moving in a new direction. He is one of many artists over time, who grapples with similar themes, inspiring each other's creativity. What a life-affirming, interconnected, and meaningful thing to do.