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
Paul Burlin, A-1961, 1961, oil and collage on canvas, 53 7860 in. (137.0152.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., 1968.52.1

Artwork Details

Title
A‑1961
Artist
Date
1961
Dimensions
53 7860 in. (137.0152.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Mediums Description
oil and collage on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
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.

Works by this artist (2 items)

Julian Scott, Surrender of a Confederate Soldier, 1873, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Nan Altmayer, 2012.23
Surrender of a Confederate Soldier
Date1873
oil on canvas
On view
Julian Scott, Sitting Bull, n.d., oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Victor Justice Evans, 1985.66.362,137
Sitting Bull
Daten.d.
oil on canvas
Not on view

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Louis M. Eilshemius, Pale Blue Landscape, n.d., oil on paper mounted on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Emil J. Arnold, 1967.56.6
Pale Blue Landscape
Daten.d.
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Not on view
Louis Paul Dessar, Return to the Fold, n.d., oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of William T. Evans, 1909.7.18
Return to the Fold
Daten.d.
oil on canvas
Not on view
Dawn
Date1892
oil on canvas
Not on view