A‑1961

Paul Burlin, A-1961, 1961, oil and collage on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., 1968.52.1
Copied Paul Burlin, A-1961, 1961, oil and collage on canvas, 53 7⁄8 x 60 in. (137.0 x 152.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., 1968.52.1

Artwork Details

Title
A‑1961
Artist
Date
1961
Location
Dimensions
53 7⁄8 x 60 in. (137.0 x 152.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Mediums Description
oil and collage on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract
Object Number
1968.52.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.52.1

Artwork Description

Paul Burlin was not interested in representing anything specific, and the densely textured brushstrokes of A-1961 dominate the image in broad sweeping lines, splatters, and faint scribbles of color. He reworked the canvas, adding new layers of color and form until he was happy with the overall effect. As a result, we can see ghosts of shapes floating just under the surface of the lighter colors, providing subtle hints of how the final image evolved.