The Jewel 1959

Editor: Right, let’s talk about Jay DeFeo's "The Jewel," created in 1959 using oil paint. The converging lines, the build-up of paint... it gives the impression of something almost exploding outwards, but in a very contained and deliberate way. What stands out to you when you look at this? Curator: "Exploding outwards" – I love that. For me, it's the sheer materiality. Think about matter-painting, a thick impasto slathered across the canvas, transforming it into something almost sculptural. Can you almost feel the weight of those accumulated layers, the tangible presence of the artist’s hand? The geometry is aggressive, almost weapon-like, isn't it? I think about DeFeo’s inner world…was she wrestling something into submission? Editor: Definitely, the texture is captivating. The rigid shapes also create such stark tension with the browns and whites in its tone. I do wonder what influenced the color palette of those days? Curator: Absolutely! Colors in that era had a boldness unlike previous periods. I almost envision those shades embodying DeFeo herself – they were quite evocative back then, and still stand strong now. This painting, for me, speaks to that. Editor: I'm picking up so many things I didn’t see at first. The context adds depth to my understanding and enhances my overall appreciation. Curator: Precisely. The power lies not just in seeing, but in feeling and understanding, and the more we know the deeper our vision will become. Thanks, let’s meet up later! Editor: My pleasure.