LARRY STARR-KARLIN, JD, LMFT
My paintings in this series continue to be gestural abstractions, non- representational, with no intended external referent or message, and forgo any ambiguity that might invite the viewer to project shapes or meanings onto them. These are “process paintings”, intended only to be about the act of painting and the combination of formal elements that might evoke qualities of strength, truth, complex moods and reward extended viewing. They are part of a conversation that began in the 1950’s at which time art critic Harold Rosenberg coined the phrase “action painting.” Congruent with that era, he saw a triumph of individualism, a break from the strictures of mass culture and traditional art. However, parallel to my personal goals, this endeavor requires willingness to risk, commitment to process, sensitivity to what is, and sufficient surrender of ego to enter into true dialogue with the other (the emerging work in this case). And willingness to enter into dialogue with the other is a quality not only fundamental to the practice of Gestalt psychotherapy with its underpinnings in the writings of philosopher Martin Buber, but one that will be essential for society to cope with and redress the many existential crises brought about by the heretofore heedless exploitation of other races, social strata, nations and nature itself. If for that reason my work might point to something outside itself, so be it.
Number 15
(Oil on Canvas, 24” x 24”)
In the spirit of this Covid 19-contracted year of 2021, I started a number of smaller, square canvasses, a compositionally challenging, more intimate format than before. I hoped the results might be simpler and more direct, with no loss of impact. As process paintings, they tend to be quite dissimilar from each other; if you’ve seen one, you have not seen them all. The example chosen here was particularly vehement in its demands.
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