Some of the most ravishing and daring paintings of the 20th century belong to the tradition of all-over, color based abstraction, pioneered by the generation of Color-Field painters in the late 1950s and early 1960s including Morris Louis, Kenneth Noland, and Helen Frankenthaler. This tradition continued to evolve in the work of a subsequent generation throughout the 1970s. Cynthia Polsky, who, between 1962 and 1974, created a group of ambitious, inventive works on paper and large-scale paintings distinguished by eloquent drawing and diaphanous clouds of color, is part of this next generation.
Cynthia Polsky’s paintings remind us that we can be deeply moved and profoundly stimulated by things that defy language and ideation. In an era when ambitious artists often seem less engaged by the visual than the conceptual, it is reassuring to be confronted by evidence of the potency and complexity of the visual.
The essays in this volume by the curator–critic Karen Wilkin and the poet-critic John Yau discuss the rich overtones of Cynthia Polsky’s work, from the world o nature and the world of art, including dance, music and Asian calligraphies, and illuminate the varied sources that inform this accomplished and original body of work.
Her works are represented in numerous private and public collections including the Allentown Museum of Art, Allentown, Pennsylvania, the Corcoran Museum, Washington DC, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York.
Explore the captivating world of color and form in "The Paintings of Cynthia Polsky," a comprehensive exploration of the artist's significant contribution to the Color Field tradition. This stunning hardcover volume, published in 2007 by Philip Wilson Publishers, offers a deep dive into the work of Cynthia Polsky, an artist who emerged from the shadow of Color Field pioneers like Morris Louis, Kenneth Noland, and Helen Frankenthaler to forge her own distinctive path. Polsky's paintings, created between 1962 and 1974, are characterized by their ambitious scale, inventive techniques, eloquent drawing, and the ethereal quality of their diaphanous color fields. This book, a First Edition, features insightful essays by renowned art critics Karen Wilkin and John Yau, who illuminate the rich tapestry of influences that inform Polsky's art. Wilkin, known for her expertise on Color Field painting and her critical essays on artists such as Anthony Caro and Helen Frankenthaler, provides a nuanced understanding of Polsky's place within the broader art historical context. Yau, a celebrated poet and critic, brings a unique perspective, exploring the poetic and evocative qualities of Polsky's work, drawing connections to music, dance, Asian calligraphies, and the natural world. "The Paintings of Cynthia Polsky" not only showcases the visual splendor of her creations but also delves into the underlying concepts and artistic processes that shaped them. The essays offer a thoughtful examination of how Polsky synthesized diverse influences to create a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The book challenges viewers to engage with art that prioritizes visual experience over conceptual trends, reminding us of the profound impact that abstract painting can have on our senses and emotions. This meticulously crafted volume features high-quality reproductions of Polsky's key works, allowing readers to fully appreciate the subtleties of her color palettes and the nuances of her brushwork. The book includes 132 pages of detailed images and insightful commentary, providing an immersive experience for both seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers to the world of abstract painting. "The Paintings of Cynthia Polsky" is more than just a catalog; it is a testament to the enduring power of visual art and a celebration of an artist who deserves greater recognition. Discover the beauty and complexity of Cynthia Polsky's paintings and gain a deeper appreciation for the Color Field tradition. Her work is represented in prestigious collections, including the Allentown Art Museum, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This book offers a valuable opportunity to explore the full scope of her artistic achievements. The book weighs approximately 1361 grams.