Gateway 1988

Here we have Helen Frankenthaler's "Gateway," an abstract triptych rich with evocative symbolism. Notice how the composition itself—three distinct panels—invokes the ancient form of the triptych, often seen in religious art to depict pivotal spiritual narratives. Yet, here, Frankenthaler presents us with abstraction, a doorway to the subconscious. The "gateway" isn't merely an entry point but also a psychological threshold. Consider the recurring motifs: fluid shapes and dissolving forms. These forms echo the "pathos formula" seen in classical art, where flowing drapery and dynamic poses convey intense emotional states. Similarly, Frankenthaler's washes of color create a sense of movement and flux. It is as if the very act of crossing this gateway involves a surrender to the unknown, a dissolution of the self. The gateway, a symbol of transition, reminds us that the passage is never linear. It cycles, evolves, and is continually reshaped by our collective memories and subconscious fears.