Untitled 2019

Editor: Right, let’s talk about this painting—Untitled, a mixed-media piece by Thomas Riesner from 2019. I find the raw texture and high contrast almost disturbing, the figure looming out of the darkness. What do you make of it? Curator: I see a powerful statement emerging from a period of artistic exploration deeply rooted in cultural and political consciousness. Considering it was made in 2019, the echoes of the Black Arts Movement resonate. Can you see the potential influences? Editor: I definitely notice the boldness reminiscent of the movement, especially in the starkness and the way it seems to challenge the viewer. But how does that historical context influence our understanding today? Curator: Understanding that history is crucial. The Black Arts Movement used art as a vehicle for social change, challenging institutionalized racism and promoting black identity. Here, Riesner’s use of figuration amidst abstraction prompts us to question what societal “monsters” were still present. Consider those eyes… Editor: They’re striking! Almost accusing. So, you’re saying the work engages in a kind of visual activism by invoking these historical connections? Curator: Precisely. By using this visual language, Riesner taps into a legacy of resistance and calls for ongoing dialogue, compelling us to consider how the socio-political landscape shapes individual experiences. This piece acts as a stark reminder that progress demands constant vigilance. Editor: That’s fascinating. I initially saw it as purely an expression of unease, but understanding the context of the Black Arts Movement adds layers of meaning I hadn’t considered. Curator: Exactly. Art often acts as a mirror reflecting societal tensions, urging us to confront uncomfortable truths and imagine alternative realities. Editor: I’ll definitely look at abstract figuration differently from now on.