Orion II 1989

Editor: Al Held’s “Orion II,” created in 1989 using acrylic paint, definitely grabbed my attention. It’s a lot – I’m seeing all these sharp angles and vivid colors… almost feels like looking into a deconstructed city! What's your interpretation of this wild arrangement? Curator: Wild is the word! To me, Held seems to be playing with space, pushing and pulling at our perception. These hard-edged forms and intense colors aren't just plopped down; they are carefully choreographed, wouldn’t you agree? Notice how the composition seems to deny a logical depth. We can't easily place objects in front of each other. What effect do you think Held intended? Editor: That makes sense… it really messes with your perspective! Maybe that's why I feel a bit disoriented looking at it. It's like a puzzle where the pieces fit together, but don’t create an obvious image. I can see that disorientation you are talking about. It's really enhanced by his playful combination of colors, I think. Curator: Yes! And the painting’s title is “Orion II”… I wonder if Held was pondering cosmic mysteries? The geometric shapes suddenly appear like interstellar architecture or a highly stylized star chart. There is an ambiguity, but the title hints towards space and some order, even when there’s a vibrant, confusing scene in front of you. What do you think the "II" in "Orion II" might suggest about Held's exploration? Editor: Oh, I like that cosmic angle! It definitely gives me a new way of looking at it! I would have missed it otherwise. Thanks, I'll carry that one with me. Curator: You’re welcome! Now, when I look at this art, I feel a little lost, but not completely. The structures have their place; they show up again somewhere else. A pattern… and maybe it tells me how the painter's mind was going. Thanks for discussing this with me, I really love this work now.