According to What (1964)

According to What (1964) is a seminal work by Alfred Jensen, an American artist known for his unique blend of Abstract art and Op art. Created in 1964, this piece showcases Jensen's fascination with Geometry, Mathematics, and Color theory, as seen in the works of Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich. Jensen's style is often compared to that of Bridget Riley, a prominent British artist and Op art pioneer, and Victor Vasarely, a Hungarian-French artist who also explored the relationship between Color and Geometry. The artwork has been exhibited alongside pieces by Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Barnett Newman at institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum.

● Background

The creation of According to What (1964) was influenced by Jensen's interest in Ancient Greek philosophy, particularly the works of Plato and Aristotle. Jensen was also inspired by the Bauhaus movement, which emphasized the intersection of Art and Technology, as seen in the works of László Moholy-Nagy and Marcel Breuer. The artwork's title, According to What, reflects Jensen's fascination with the concept of Reality and how it is perceived, a theme also explored by René Magritte and Salvador Dalí. Jensen's use of Color and Geometry was also influenced by the works of Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg, who were key figures in the De Stijl movement. Additionally, Jensen's work was showcased alongside that of Ellsworth Kelly, Agnes Martin, and Cy Twombly at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

● Composition

According to What (1964) is characterized by its use of Geometric shapes, Color gradients, and Symmetry, which create a sense of Visual tension and Depth. The artwork's composition is reminiscent of the works of M.C. Escher, who also explored the relationship between Geometry and Perspective. Jensen's use of Color is also notable, as it creates a sense of Emotional resonance and Psychological depth, similar to the works of Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. The artwork's Abstract nature has drawn comparisons to the works of Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline, who were also associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement. Furthermore, Jensen's composition has been influenced by the works of Kazimir Malevich and Wassily Kandinsky, who were key figures in the development of Abstract art.

● Reception

According to What (1964) was first exhibited at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York City, where it received critical acclaim from Art critics such as Clement Greenberg and Harold Rosenberg. The artwork was also showcased at the Venice Biennale and the Documenta exhibition in Kassel, Germany, alongside works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jasper Johns. The artwork's unique blend of Abstract art and Op art has made it a favorite among Art collectors and Museums, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Tate Modern. Additionally, the artwork has been exhibited at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., alongside works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Joan Miró.

● Legacy

According to What (1964) has had a significant impact on the development of Abstract art and Op art, influencing a generation of Artists including Bridget Riley, Victor Vasarely, and Jesus Rafael Soto. The artwork's use of Color and Geometry has also influenced the development of Design and Architecture, as seen in the works of Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen. The artwork has been recognized as a landmark piece in the history of Modern art, alongside works by Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Salvador Dalí. Furthermore, the artwork has been included in numerous Art historical surveys, including those by H.W. Janson and Robert Rosenblum, and has been exhibited at institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.

● Analysis

According to What (1964) can be analyzed through the lens of Art historical movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Op art. The artwork's use of Color and Geometry can be seen as a reflection of Jensen's interest in Mathematics and Science, as well as his fascination with the concept of Reality. The artwork's Abstract nature has also led to interpretations related to Emotion and Psychology, as seen in the works of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Additionally, the artwork has been analyzed in relation to the works of Futurist artists such as Umberto Boccioni and Giacomo Balla, who also explored the relationship between Art and Technology. The artwork's significance has also been recognized by institutions such as the Getty Research Institute and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, which have included it in their collections and exhibitions. Category:1964 paintings