Thin Fingers 1969

Pat Lipsky created 'Thin Fingers' with acrylic on canvas. With its horizontal bands of vibrant color, this work reflects a key movement in American art, Lyrical Abstraction, which emerged in the late 1960s and early 70s. At this time, there was a desire to push beyond the strict geometries of Minimalism, yet, artists retained an emphasis on pure color and surface, rejecting the idea that art should be ‘about’ something beyond itself. Lipsky and others exhibited in commercial galleries and museums that were eager to promote new developments in abstract painting, extending New York’s claim as the center of the art world. The legacy of Lyrical Abstraction is complex, with some critics celebrating its formal innovations, while others question its social impact. Examining gallery records, exhibition catalogues, and critical reviews is essential to understanding the art world’s shifting priorities during this time. Ultimately, the meaning of ‘Thin Fingers’ is contingent on these institutional contexts.