Taxi Cab II 1959

Al Held created this painting, Taxi Cab II, using abstract forms and bold colors. Held came of age as an artist in the 1950s and 60s when painting was dominated by Abstract Expressionism. Yet, Held broke with the gestural, emotional style of the Abstract Expressionists, instead developing a hard-edged, geometric style. Held’s experience as a white man in postwar America undoubtedly shaped his artistic perspective. This work reflects his personal experience of urban life, perhaps the sensory overload of the city. The shapes and colors vie for attention. The painting embodies the tension between chaos and order that defines much of modern life. Held once said, "I am interested in the tensions and contradictions that arise when one tries to reconcile the objective world with the subjective world." His style offers an alternative to traditional representation while also challenging social norms and expectations for what painting should be. The painting reflects broader societal issues related to urbanization.