Atrocité des rouges 1959

Editor: This is "Atrocité des rouges" or "Atrocity of Reds" by André Lanskoy, created in 1959. It's acrylic paint on canvas, and wow, it's a fiery explosion! All of that red... it feels intense, almost violent, despite being abstract. How do you interpret this work, especially considering the historical context? Curator: The title is certainly evocative, isn't it? Lanskoy painted this during a period of intense Cold War anxieties. Though abstract, the aggressive reds and chaotic composition can be seen as a reflection of the political and social unrest. Abstract Expressionism, in general, became a sort of symbol for freedom of expression against the restrictive, state-controlled art of the Soviet bloc. Do you see it embodying any elements of resistance? Editor: That’s fascinating! I hadn't thought about the Cold War connection. I guess the lack of easily identifiable forms *could* be a way of avoiding overt political statements, while still conveying a feeling of unease or anger. The colour palette seems like it has an urgent message to tell. Curator: Exactly. And think about where art like this was exhibited: in museums funded, at least in part, by governments who wished to promote a particular image of freedom and artistic innovation. How do you think the public reception of this kind of abstract work, and the museum’s role in it, would differ in Europe versus America at the time? Editor: I imagine Europe was still reeling from the war, so maybe something so seemingly chaotic and without clear meaning would be harder to embrace? Whereas, perhaps America had the distance and optimism to see it as pure innovation? Curator: A valid consideration. Perhaps it was interpreted very differently based on prevailing sentiments, thus the impact of socio-political influences. Editor: I see the museum and art world dynamics much differently now! Curator: I'm glad to offer a different angle, a new interpretation based on the background we have covered.