A Global Exchange: Geometric Abstraction Since 1950
“A Global Exchange: Geometric Abstraction Since 1950” presents an important collection of over fifty works of geometric abstraction from the collection of MACBA – Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires – that trace the evolution of this movement in Europe and America over the last 60 years.
The commanding roster of artists showcases emphasis on crosscurrents of influence in geometric abstraction between artists worldwide. The scope of A Global Exchange sets it apart as one of the only group shows to present the interchange among geometric artists on such a global scale and time-line.
A selective interpretation of a subject – geometric abstraction – that is far too dynamic and multifaceted for any one exhibition to fully encompass. The transnational scope of the MACBA collection provides a rare opportunity to explore the many points of contact among artists of diverse backgrounds and allegiances.
“The exhibition chronicles an international dialogue between artists that was integral to the development of geometric art,” said Curator Joe Houston. He is the author of Optic Nerve: Perceptual Art of the 1960s and was hand-picked by MACBA’s Executive Director Aldo Rubino for the institution’s inaugural exhibition that launched the focus on geometric art.
There are classic examples of 1960s Op art. The 50th anniversary of the Op movement is in 2015, it debuted with MOMA’s seminal 1965 show “The Responsive Eye,” making this exhibition at the Frost a well-timed kick-off to this anniversary. Half of the artists in this show participated in the groundbreaking MOMA exhibit. Rarely seen examples of perceptual art, alongside a broad sweep ranging all geometric art perspectives through six decades, are also showcased.
The exhibition invites visitors to ask how geometric abstraction developed over time and distance, how this form has conveyed larger philosophical and political ideals, and how geometric artists changed the traditional relationship between artist and viewer.
“A Global Exchange is more than just the idea behind the name of this exhibition,” said Aldo Rubino, MACBA’s executive director. “It is the philosophy and spirit at the heart of MACBA’s mission. Geometric art has become our sole focus at MACBA because it is an art form present in every element of life. Its relation to other sciences like mathematics and physics allows for more open and embracing qualities. It is inclusive – never exclusive.”
The exhibition includes works by artists such a Manuel Espinosa (b. 1912, Buenos Aires), Juan Melé (b. 1923, Buenos Aires), Kenneth Noland (b. 1924, Asheville), Alexander Liberman (b. 1912, Kiev), and Carlos Cruz-Diez (b. 1923, Caracas).
