Cosmic Fire #733 2009

Editor: This is "Cosmic Fire #733," a mixed-media work created in 2009 by Jack Armstrong. It strikes me as chaotic, yet there's an undeniable energy radiating from the canvas. What aspects of its making stand out to you? Curator: The sheer physicality of its production is compelling. Looking at the acrylic paint flung across the surface, we must consider Armstrong's process. Was it about spontaneous gesture or meticulous control? Either way, we confront the labor involved, a key aspect often overlooked in discussions of abstract art. How does this compare to industrial modes of production and mass culture? Editor: So, you are talking about labor intensity in art-making, even in supposedly spontaneous abstract expressionism? Curator: Precisely. Think about the post-war context in which abstract expressionism arose. It's not merely about individual genius; it is an exploration of materiality. In pieces like this, that echoes with Cold War anxieties, challenging what “making” really meant. How does Armstrong, by naming himself “cosmic,” want the viewer to interpret “the creative power?” Editor: It’s like he’s saying that even chaotic freedom, is also the outcome of labour with clear intension to convey something! Curator: The paint itself, its texture, the way it's been layered – each element reveals a deliberate choice. We see then not just an image, but also a record of its creation, mirroring shifts from handcrafted objects to industrialized products. This prompts us to challenge boundaries and look at value we impose through material use. Does it still communicate ideas about the role of the individual? Editor: I'm starting to see abstract art through a new lens - one that considers process and materials in connection with broader cultural themes. I'll remember that. Thank you. Curator: Indeed! By scrutinizing the labor and materials, we uncover meanings and challenges within works such as “Cosmic Fire #733". We recognize then the inherent values society has to share, question and/or reaffirm when looking at any piece of art.