Mission
Artist
Alice Baber
(American, 1928–1982)
Date1964
Mediumacrylic on canvas
Dimensionscanvas: 127 x 101.3 cm (50 x 39 7/8 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Paul Jenkins
Terms
Object number1964.30
Label TextSince the 1950s, scholars and critics, such as Clement Greenberg, framed Abstract Expressionism as the realm of male artists, criticizing women painters for being “too easily satisfied” and that their “polished” paintings were purely decorative—mere “candy.” An ardent feminist, Baber defied the gender bias by establishing a successful career with her large color field paintings and by organizing all-female exhibitions to champion other women’s work. Explorations in color and light drive the focus of Baber’s Mission. A chromatic kaleidoscope gives way to an overlay of shapes, revealing multiple dimensions and transitional nuances of color. Unlike most color field painters of the mid-twentieth century, Baber eschewed oils for acrylics. After thinning the paint, she applied it with rags wrapped around her hand or finger to achieve the preferred intensity of color. Although color, shape, and light are crucial to understanding Baber’s work, she acknowledges the importance of ambiguity and personal interpretation, stating: “I want the viewer to create part of the meaning.”ProvenancePaul Jenkins, New York, NYOn View
Not on view
