Lecture on Colour Field Paintings and Post-Painterly Abstraction

Introduction to Colour Field Paintings

• Common public reaction: Confusion when viewing simplistic artworks like a block of colour.
• Known historically as "colour field paintings" or "post-painterly abstraction."
• Initial simplicity often hides deeper intricacies and purpose.

The Importance of Colours and Shapes

• Colours and shapes are essential elements, much like asking why the sky is blue.
• Understanding involves delving into complexities, such as the electromagnetic spectrum.

Key Artists and Their Contributions

Frank Stella

• Known for painting deductive shapes that relate to the canvas.
• Transitioned to using irregularly shaped canvases (polygons, half-circles).

Kenneth Noland, Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman

• Focused on the elemental nature of colour.
• Insisted that the artwork's primary concern is about itself — colours and shapes.
• Aim: Contemplation of pure elements rather than external storytelling.

Comparison With Traditional Art Forms

• Traditional art often ties to external histories and narratives (e.g., religious stories, war).
• Colour field paintings focus purely on the elements present on the canvas.

Viewer Interpretations and Artist Intentions

• Question: Should viewers adhere to the artist’s original intention?
• Debate exists on the importance of artist intentions versus viewer interpretations.

Innovations in Technique

Jackson Pollock

• Known for flinging paint onto canvas (1950s).

Helen Frankenthaler

• Revolutionized technique by pouring paint onto unprimed, unstretched canvases.
• Created even, flat fields of colour, inspiring artists like Kenneth Noland and Morris Louis.

Artistic Boundaries and Techniques

• Shift away from traditional methods (e.g., paintbrush, easel).
• Blurred lines between painting and sculpture.
• Highlighted fundamental elements (colour, shape, space) as central themes.

Conclusion

• These artists expanded artistic possibilities and inspired future generations.
• Raises questions about the success of stripping art of external references and the impact of intent on viewing experience.

Interactive Component

• Encouragement for viewers to reflect and comment on the effectiveness of colour field painters.