C-B-1 1978

Al Held made this painting, C-B-1, with graphic shapes and lines. What grabs me here is the dialogue between control and freedom. The hard-edged geometry wants to be precise, but the overlapping forms create a dynamic push and pull. Up close, you can see how the colors interact. The blues, reds, and browns are so intense, and those thin lines add a layer of complexity that keeps your eye moving. It’s like Held is building a world within the canvas, a space where these shapes can float and collide. Look at the way those circles intersect; they feel both flat and like they are moving in space. Held reminds me a bit of what early Stella was doing with geometric forms. Both artists share a love for clean lines and bold colors, but Held brings a certain playfulness to it. It's less about minimalism and more about creating a vibrant, energetic space.