Composition 1971

Editor: This is Alexandre Istrati’s "Composition" from 1971, a mixed-media painting. The colours are so vibrant, yet there’s a fractured, almost chaotic feel to the composition. What do you see in this piece, particularly given the socio-political context of the time it was made? Curator: Well, it’s crucial to remember that Istrati was deeply embedded in the Parisian art scene after leaving Romania, escaping a rising communist regime. This work speaks to the artist's sense of displacement, but also resilience. The layered brushstrokes and fragmented geometric forms may mirror the fractured realities experienced by many immigrants and those living through political upheaval, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I can definitely see that. The broken forms evoke a sense of instability, of being unsettled. How does this piece engage with the abstract expressionist movement beyond just aesthetic choices? Curator: Precisely. While it bears the hallmarks of abstract expressionism in its expressive use of paint and non-representational imagery, it also subtly subverts it. The graffiti-like elements introduce an element of urban protest. This positions the artwork as an act of resistance against established power structures, and potentially against the commodification of abstract expressionism itself. Does the composition feel unbalanced to you? Editor: It does, yes. Not in a displeasing way, but it definitely feels like the eye is constantly moving. Curator: That imbalance disrupts the expected harmony often associated with the style, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable realities and question established norms. So what resonates most with you? Editor: Thinking about it as a response to political upheaval, and how it uses those abstract elements as protest, really makes me appreciate it more. I initially just saw the chaos, but now I see purpose. Curator: Absolutely, and remembering Istrati’s Romanian roots allows us to read the piece through a critical, intersectional lens, adding another layer to the reading of abstract expressionism.