Artist
The Lyrical Abstraction of Howard Mehring
Howard Mehring, a pivotal figure in the Washington Color School movement, stands as a testament to the power of pure color and its ability to evoke profound emotional responses. Though often overshadowed by his more celebrated contemporaries like Morris Louis and Kenneth Noland, Mehring’s contributions to Abstract Expressionism – specifically his pioneering stain painting techniques – are undeniably significant. Born in 1930, Mehring's artistic journey unfolded against a backdrop of post-war American optimism and the burgeoning exploration of non-representational art. He didn’t arrive at abstraction through dramatic upheaval or overt political statement; rather, his path was one of quiet contemplation and relentless experimentation with the very essence of paint itself. Mehring eschewed traditional brushwork, instead favoring a method where thinned acrylics were poured onto unprimed canvas, allowing gravity and capillary action to dictate their flow and interaction. This process wasn’t about control but surrender – an invitation for color to reveal its inherent qualities and create luminous, ethereal forms.
Early Influences and the Emergence of a Unique Style
Mehring's early artistic training provided a foundation in traditional painting techniques, but it was his exposure to Helen Frankenthaler’s groundbreaking “soak-stain” method in the 1950s that proved transformative. Frankenthaler’s work liberated color from the constraints of form and texture, inspiring Mehring to pursue a similar path, yet one distinctly his own. While sharing an affinity for staining techniques, Mehring diverged by embracing a more deliberate layering of colors, often creating complex chromatic relationships within his compositions. He wasn't interested in replicating Frankenthaler’s spontaneous gestures; instead, he sought to build up fields of color through successive washes, allowing previous layers to subtly influence the hues above. This resulted in paintings that possess an extraordinary depth and luminosity – a shimmering interplay of light and color that draws the viewer into a meditative state. His early works often featured muted tones and subtle gradations, reflecting a quiet sensibility and a focus on the inherent beauty of the materials themselves.
The Stain Technique: A Dialogue with Gravity and Color
Mehring’s signature stain technique involved pouring thinned acrylic paints onto unprimed canvas laid horizontally. The paint, unburdened by thick impasto or deliberate brushstrokes, spread organically across the fabric, creating fluid, amorphous shapes and vibrant color fields. This process wasn't merely a technical innovation; it was a philosophical approach to painting – an attempt to relinquish control and allow the inherent properties of color to dictate the composition. The canvas became a receptive surface, absorbing the paint and revealing its unique character. Mehring meticulously controlled the viscosity of the paints and the angle of the canvas, but ultimately allowed gravity and capillary action to play a crucial role in shaping the final image. This resulted in paintings that feel both intentional and accidental – a delicate balance between artist’s vision and the unpredictable nature of the medium. “Blue Green & Violet”, for example, exemplifies this approach, showcasing a harmonious blend of cool hues that evoke a sense of tranquility and spaciousness.
The Washington Color School and Lasting Legacy
As a prominent member of the Washington Color School, Mehring contributed to a unique artistic environment characterized by its focus on color as subject matter. Unlike the gestural abstraction of New York painters like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, the Washington Color School artists prioritized clarity, simplicity, and the exploration of chromatic relationships. The movement emerged in the 1950s and 60s, gaining recognition for its distinctive aesthetic and intellectual rigor. Mehring’s work, alongside that of Louis, Noland, and Gene Davis, helped to establish a new vocabulary for abstract painting – one that emphasized opticality and emotional resonance over narrative or symbolism. “Untitled”, with its bold interplay of reds and blues, demonstrates the movement's commitment to pure color and its ability to create powerful visual impact. While Mehring’s work didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of his peers, it has garnered increasing recognition in recent years for its subtle beauty and innovative technique. His paintings continue to inspire artists and captivate viewers with their luminous colors and meditative qualities. His influence can be seen in contemporary abstract painting that prioritizes color field aesthetics and explores the boundaries between control and chance.
Major Achievements and Continued Exploration
Throughout his career, Mehring consistently refined his stain technique, pushing the boundaries of color interaction and exploring new chromatic possibilities. “Double Red”, a striking example of his later work, showcases a masterful layering of red hues that creates a sense of depth and intensity. He exhibited widely throughout the United States, including solo shows at galleries in Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles. While he remained largely independent from mainstream art trends, Mehring’s work was consistently praised for its originality and emotional power. He taught painting at various institutions, sharing his knowledge and passion with a new generation of artists. Mehring's commitment to experimentation continued throughout his life, even as he perfected his signature style. His paintings are now held in numerous public and private collections, serving as a testament to his lasting legacy as a pioneer of Color Field painting and a significant figure in the history of Abstract Expressionism. He remains active today, continuing to explore the boundless possibilities of color and its ability to transform our perception of the world.
Museum
On show in Washington, D.C., United States of America
The Phillips Collection: A Sanctuary of Modern Vision
Nestled in Washington D.C.’s elegant Dupont Circle neighborhood resides a treasure—The Phillips Collection, America’s first museum dedicated to modern art. It wasn't conceived as a grand public institution from its inception, but rather blossomed organically from the passionate vision of Duncan Phillips and his wife, Marjorie Acker Phillips. Beginning in 1921, their home transformed into an intimate gallery, a haven for artistic innovation that defied the prevailing tastes of the time.
Phillips, heir to a steel fortune yet driven by a profound aesthetic sensibility, believed deeply in the interconnectedness of art across generations. He wasn’t simply collecting; he was building a dialogue—a conversation between Old Masters and burgeoning modernists, recognizing echoes of emotion and technique that transcended temporal boundaries. This philosophy shaped not only his acquisitions but also the very atmosphere of the museum, fostering an environment where contemplation and connection could flourish.
The original Georgian Revival residence, expanded thoughtfully over the years, retains this sense of intimacy, a deliberate contrast to the imposing scale often associated with major art institutions. Walking through its rooms feels less like visiting a museum and more like entering a beautifully curated home—a testament to Phillips’s belief that art should be lived with, experienced personally, not merely observed from afar.
Masterpieces in Dialogue: The Collection's Heartbeat
The collection itself is a revelation, anchored by iconic works that resonate with enduring power. Perhaps the most celebrated piece is Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, a shimmering depiction of Parisian leisure that encapsulates the joy and fleeting beauty central to Impressionism. The painting isn't merely a visual delight; it’s an invitation to step into a sun-drenched afternoon, to feel the warmth on your skin and hear the laughter of friends.
But the Phillips Collection doesn’t rest on its laurels. It boasts an exceptional grouping of Vincent van Gogh canvases, including Fisherman's Wife on the Beach, which reveals the artist’s raw emotional intensity through expressive brushwork and a poignant portrayal of everyday life. The vibrant hues and bold compositions of Henri Matisse further enrich the collection, exemplifying the Fauvist movement’s liberation from representational accuracy in favor of pure visual impact.
Beyond these celebrated names, the museum champions American modernists like Winslow Homer and James McNeill Whistler, showcasing their contributions to a burgeoning artistic landscape that was beginning to find its own distinct voice. The deliberate juxtaposition of these diverse styles—the classical grace of Renoir alongside Van Gogh’s turbulent energy or Matisse’s audacious color—is a hallmark of the Phillips Collection’s curatorial approach, reflecting Duncan Phillips’s belief in the continuous evolution of art and the enduring power of artistic influence.
A History of Bold Choices: Pioneering Exhibitions
The Phillips Collection wasn’t content to simply display established masters; it actively sought out and championed artists who were ahead of their time. Throughout its history, the museum hosted groundbreaking exhibitions that challenged conventional thinking and expanded the boundaries of artistic expression.
A particularly notable example is the rediscovery of Louis Michel Eilshemius in the 1930s—an American artist whose unique vision had been largely overlooked by the mainstream art world. Phillips recognized Eilshemius’s singular talent, showcasing his work to a wider audience and helping to establish his place in American art history.
These exhibitions weren’t merely displays of artwork; they were catalysts for conversation, sparking critical debate and shaping the trajectory of modern art in America.
An Intimate Encounter: What Sets The Phillips Apart
What truly distinguishes The Phillips Collection from other institutions is its unwavering dedication to creating an intimate and immersive experience for visitors. Unlike sprawling museums that can feel overwhelming, the Phillips offers a sanctuary—a space designed for quiet contemplation and personal engagement with art.
The carefully curated exhibitions prioritize artistic nuance and emotional resonance, encouraging viewers to delve deeper into the complexities of each work. It’s a place where you can linger in front of a painting, allowing its colors and textures to wash over you, or lose yourself in the subtle details of a sculpture.
This commitment to intimacy extends beyond the physical space; it permeates every aspect of the museum’s operations, from its knowledgeable staff to its thoughtfully designed educational programs. The Phillips Collection isn’t just about seeing art; it’s about feeling it—about forging a personal connection with the creative spirit that animates each masterpiece.
It remains a beacon of artistic excellence, a place where beauty inspires reflection and expands horizons for generations to come.
