Untitled 1972

Editor: So, this is an untitled acrylic on canvas painting by Andre Lanskoy, created in 1972. All these vibrant, almost clashing colors create a really lively and somewhat chaotic mood. What do you see in it? Curator: The vibrant colors and abstract forms draw me to consider the sociopolitical context of 1972. The aftermath of '68, civil rights, feminism, and anti-war movements—Lanskoy’s abstraction seems to echo that era's push for radical change, breaking from established norms. Do you think the abstraction offers an escape from, or a reflection of, that turbulent period? Editor: That's a cool question! I guess I was just thinking about the visual elements, but connecting it to the social issues... maybe it's both? Like, the chaos in the painting mirrors the social upheaval, but the abstraction allows for a kind of personal interpretation that maybe represent individual freedoms. Curator: Precisely! This abstract expressionism connects to individual liberty. Lanskoy, being a Russian émigré, having witnessed firsthand the suppression of artistic freedom, could his choice of abstraction be seen as an act of resistance? Editor: I hadn't thought of that. It makes so much sense to consider his background, as he made a political stance with his abstraction and forms. I see the painting differently now! Curator: Absolutely. By questioning the surface, we can unearth those intersectional narratives. Art is rarely created in a vacuum. It reflects, resists, and reshapes the world around it. Editor: Definitely! Considering art this way has really opened my eyes to broader narratives about artistic freedom and global political awareness. Thanks!