Almost There 1989

Here we see Al Held’s abstract work, “Almost There,” a color screenprint which invites us into a world of geometric forms and vibrant hues. Held, born in 1928, navigated the art world at a time of significant social change, including the Civil Rights Movement and evolving discussions around identity. “Almost There,” with its hard-edged shapes, challenges traditional artistic boundaries. The relationships between shapes creates a sense of almost-knowing and of nearly-grasping a deeper meaning, reflecting Held's exploration of spatial relationships and abstract thought. It encourages us to meditate on how we perceive and construct our realities. Are we ever truly “there,” or is life an ongoing journey of almost reaching? Held’s piece reflects on an emotional state familiar to many.