Grigio 1996

Rodolfo Arico made this painting, titled "Grigio" which translates to "Grey", sometime in the late 20th century. The central concern of this work is the experience of colour, pushing this element to its most simple and reduced form. Born in Italy, Arico was associated with the Concrete Art movement. This was a movement that challenged the traditional institutions of art through its emphasis on pure form and the absence of representational content. The effect of this is that the viewer must think about the basic qualities of painting as a medium and the ways in which we make meaning from art. Are we looking at a painting of something, or just paint on a surface? Historians consider artistic movements in light of their social and cultural context, including factors such as the prevailing political climate, technological advancements, and philosophical trends. You can do further research by reading exhibition catalogs, art journals, and artist biographies to understand the artist’s practice and thinking better. Through these resources, one can better appreciate the institutional and social context of the art.