Farbmodulationen 1962

Curator: So, what do you make of this, looking at Rupprecht Geiger's "Farbmodulationen" from 1962? Editor: Stark. Severely simple, in a way that makes me strangely peaceful. The grey form floating over the hot orange… it’s almost elemental, like a planet looming over a lava field. Curator: I'm glad you picked up on that sense of something fundamental. Geiger was fascinated by colour’s emotional power and how basic geometric shapes could express that. "Farbmodulationen" is German for "Colour Modulations" so already in the title Geiger suggests his interest lies within the exploration of color itself. Editor: Modulations... yes, there's definitely a soft fading, especially on the lower block. And there's a slight graininess to the color, isn’t there? It’s not just a flat expanse of pigment. You get the sense of layers building up, creating an almost vibrating effect between the dark and bright elements. Curator: Geiger was part of a larger Colour Field movement and was deeply concerned with how colour interacts directly with our senses. He often experimented with layering acrylic paint to achieve this depth, even a sense of movement within a still image, don't you think? It's not just a painting; it’s an experience. Editor: Definitely. It’s a bit like staring into a sunset or watching clouds morph. The orange feels very primal, warm, earthly, perhaps suggesting excitement and enthusiasm, while the sphere is mysterious. You get a sense of almost a warning, so together these colours create an interesting contrasting perspective. Curator: And how this reflects back to a larger human experience! Geiger uses minimal components to create these feelings of boundless experience. This idea really underscores the Color Field movement's exploration of abstract emotion. He had some amazing views out of his studio, and it feels like these basic elements were really inspired by the open sky and earth tones in the Munich area of the time. Editor: So true! It is that universal sense, where shape and color bypass the logical mind and directly address our feelings. "Farbmodulationen" takes the viewers on a concise trip through art and experience. Curator: In so few forms, Geiger really gave us so much, which I think makes it timeless, and worth reflecting upon. Editor: Precisely! Now, every time I stare into the sun I may now only see abstract feelings staring back.