The Aero c. 1914

Editor: Marsden Hartley’s “The Aero,” painted around 1914, employs oil on canvas. It's strikingly geometric, with bold colours that make it feel both energetic and slightly unsettling. What do you see in this piece, considering its historical context? Curator: "The Aero" pulsates with the avant-garde spirit of pre-war Europe, specifically drawing from Cubism and Futurism, artistic movements engaged in radical approaches to representation. Looking at it today, it reminds us that the formal language of abstraction was often deeply entwined with representing modern life. Notice how Hartley breaks down representational forms into fragmented planes and geometric shapes, and it could reflect the fast pace and technological advancements that characterised this period. Can you imagine how this image would have been received by the audiences of its time? Editor: It would have definitely shocked viewers used to traditional painting. It's so different, it feels like a complete rejection of what art was expected to be! Did its critical reception influence his style or direction? Curator: Hartley was deeply affected by the artistic climate, always experimenting with his style, responding to, and often critiquing, societal norms. This work sits within his Berlin period when he lived in Germany and found profound aesthetic and emotional stimulation in military regalia and Prussian symbolism. Consider it also as an engagement in debates regarding American national identity and the place of queer sexuality. So, do you still see abstraction in this artwork? Editor: I now also understand how historical events and societal shifts play crucial roles in its meaning. It's not just about shapes; it's about a world on the brink of massive change. Curator: Exactly. The painting serves as a reminder that artworks don't exist in a vacuum but actively engage with social and cultural currents, influencing and being influenced by their historical contexts. That's definitely a painting I see very differently now!