Looming #2 1969

Adolph Gottlieb made "Looming #2" sometime in the middle of the 20th century with paint on canvas. Right away, you notice the way Gottlieb balances the flatness of the shapes with the texture of the canvas. The bottom field is like a dense, velvety fog, achieved by layering paint so thin you can see the weave of the canvas beneath. It's almost monochromatic, but look closely, and you'll see the way he plays with different purplish tones, creating an area that seems to vibrate. Above, three flat circles hover – red, black, and white – each with their own presence against a muted turquoise ground. Gottlieb's use of simple forms and colors reminds me a little of Joan Miró, who was also interested in the subconscious, making art that feels both primal and totally modern. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what these shapes mean, and how they resonate.