Free Wheeling 1971

Here we see Helen Frankenthaler using thin black lines and blocks of primary colors on a stark white canvas. Frankenthaler emerged in a male dominated art world, and carved out her own unique space, in part by pushing back against the prevailing macho culture of Abstract Expressionism. In her early career, critics often viewed her work through the lens of her relationships, undermining her individual artistic achievements. "Free Wheeling" invites us to consider how the artist navigated these gendered expectations. The title suggests the exhilaration of breaking free from constraints, a theme that resonates with her life. The splashes of bold color challenge the seriousness often associated with Abstract Expressionism, creating a joyful feeling. Frankenthaler's work reflects the joy of artistic exploration, and the personal and professional freedom she worked so hard to realize.