Paris Abstract 

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this untitled abstract painting by John Ferren. Editor: My first impression is controlled chaos! It feels both meticulously planned and strangely unpredictable. The dark backdrop really makes those geometric forms pop. Curator: Absolutely. While the specific date of its creation remains unconfirmed, we can say with some certainty that Ferren was experimenting here with the Hard-edge painting style—an offshoot of Abstract Expressionism characterized by delineated forms and areas of flat color. Editor: Which, from a purely material perspective, is fascinating. Looking at the smooth, almost flawless surfaces of the shapes, you can tell he likely used acrylic paint layered on paper, maybe even masking techniques, to achieve those razor-sharp edges. It denies a painterly hand somehow, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. And while some might see that denial as a limitation, Ferren positions himself within a fascinating discourse: challenging traditional notions of artistic expression and skill, blurring boundaries. Do we value the artist's hand or the concept? The painting invites you to ponder how perceptions of labor shift within different contexts. Editor: I'd agree. This feels intentional. These aren't gestures. They're constructed. I see these almost as manufactured pieces. What statements were galleries trying to make by choosing to exhibit pieces like this? Curator: Precisely. What you're feeling there is the aftershock of the post-war boom where artwork like this gained much popularity. The politics are deeply enmeshed. What constitutes art? Is it the emotional pouring of oneself or a detached calculated composition? And, given Ferren’s active participation in these critical art discourses, one must think this piece plays some kind of vital role. Editor: Fascinating— I initially thought of it simply for the colors and form but that's given me pause. I keep going back and forth on whether it lacks… or transcends the emotional baggage in some way. Curator: Yes, quite. It seems even these static forms hold stories within them. Editor: Agreed. "Paris Abstract" seems to have many questions worth asking.