Happier than the morning sun “to Stevie Wonder” 1975

Editor: Blinky Palermo's "Happier than the morning sun 'to Stevie Wonder'" from the Tate collection consists of four framed drawings plus a painted wood element. It's…intriguing. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This work challenges traditional notions of artistic expression. Palermo, active in a time of great social upheaval, uses minimalist forms as a language. The geometric shapes and the dedication to Stevie Wonder, a Black artist, invite us to consider how abstraction can be a form of social commentary. Editor: Social commentary, how so? Curator: By stripping away the representational, Palermo forces the viewer to engage with the artwork on a purely conceptual level, mirroring the struggle for visibility and recognition faced by marginalized communities. It prompts questions about power, representation, and the artist’s role in social change. What do you think? Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. I hadn't considered the social implications of abstraction. Curator: Exactly! It's about understanding art as a reflection of the broader cultural and political landscape.