Art Theory Text with Abuttal Diagrams 1943

Curator: Looking at Stuart Davis's "Art Theory Text with Abuttal Diagrams", what strikes me is this sense of searching, of the artist grappling with spatial relationships. Editor: You know, it feels like a map, but to a place that only exists in Davis's mind. It’s scrappy and raw, like the inside of an artist’s brain. Curator: The diagrams here speak to Davis's exploration of "abuttal," a term he used to describe the dynamic relationship between shapes and colors, how they push and pull against each other on the canvas. Editor: It's like he's trying to dissect the visual world, break it down into its essential parts. I love how the stark lines dance with the handwritten notes, creating this beautiful tension between order and chaos. Curator: Absolutely. This work offers insights into Davis's commitment to abstracting the American urban landscape, reflecting the energy and rhythm of modern life. Editor: Exactly! It’s like a visual jazz riff, a spontaneous improvisation on the themes that defined his career. Makes me want to grab a sketchbook and start scribbling my own "abuttal diagrams."