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Student Union Collection |
Richard
Anuszkiewicz,
American, Born 1930 Untitled,
1963
polymer on cardboard
18” x 18”
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Untitled was completed early
in the career of Richard Anuszkiewicz, one of the premier figures
in the Optical Art movement. After studying under Josef Albers
at Yale, Anuszkiewicz’s work changed from semi-abstract,
figurative compositions to pieces that reacted against the Abstract
Expressionist movement. Because he went against the popular and
critical norm, Anuszkiewicz received little early recognition
from the New York art world. The critical reaction to his first
one-man exhibition in 1960 was generally indifferent, and at
times
antagonistic. Despite this criticism, Anuszkiewicz has maintained
his style for his entire career. His work juxtaposes calculated
geometric arrangements with dots, lines, and other shapes in
contrasting
colors. Untitled is one of the earliest works with the thin lines
Anuszkiewicz has used throughout his career. Because of the date
and size of this painting, it is likely that Anuszkiewicz
used this as an experiment for his line painting method. It was
purchased in 1964 on the first Student Union Collection buying
trip to New York City, before the artist received much critical
attention.
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