Despite the popularity of Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism, many American artists remained committed to figural representation—with a critical edge.
1945–1980 C.E.
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Romare Bearden, Three Folk Musicians
An abstract painting, a collage, three musicians, two guitars and a banjo.
Lin Tianmiao on Alex Katz’s Black and Brown Blouse
"He enlarges private life and makes it public, catching the most touching, the most revealing, the most hidden moment ..."
Duane Hanson, Executive, originally titled, Another Day
Museum visitors often mistake this sculpture for a real person
Jess, If All the World Were Paper and All the Water Sink
From the Manhattan Project to nursery rhymes, a collision of art and science.
Benny Andrews, Flag Day
Does the figure emerge from the stripes of the flag, or do they imprison him?
Faith Ringgold, Dancing at the Louvre
Faith Ringgold’s Dancing at the Louvre is all about breaking the rules, and having lots of fun while doing it.
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