Renaissance Space II

Artist

howard mehring

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

Chrysler Museum of Art

On show in Norfolk, United States of America

A Sanctuary of Light and Vision

Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia, the Chrysler Museum of Art stands as a profound testament to the transformative power of vision and generosity. What began in 1933 as the modest Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences blossomed into a premier cultural destination, largely due to the pivotal donation by Walter P. Chrysler Jr. in 1971. Today, it serves as a luminous sanctuary where five millennia of human creativity converge, offering a chronological odyssey that invites visitors to traverse the vast landscape of artistic evolution. From the ancient whispers of early civilizations to the bold, visceral energy of contemporary masterpieces, the museum provides an immersive experience that transcends time and geography.

The soul of the Chrysler lies in its breathtakingly diverse holdings, where the monumental meets the delicate. One cannot wander through its halls without being captivated by the world-renowned glass collection, a shimmering panorama that traces the medium’s journey from fragile antiquity to modern innovation. Here, the iridescent brilliance of

Louis Comfort Tiffany’s

lampshades creates miniature universes of light, standing in dialogue with massive, breathtaking stained glass windows. This mastery of light is mirrored in the museum's European galleries, where the dramatic

chiaroscuro

of Caravaggio and the meticulous, quiet interiors of Vermeer offer windows into the very essence of the human condition. The collection further expands into the grandeur of the Baroque era with works by Bernini and Rubens, and moves through the refined American portraiture of John Singleton Copley to the raw, emotive abstraction of Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.

Architectural Elegance and Living Artistry

Architecturally, the museum is a masterpiece of modernist design, specifically engineered to act as a vessel for light. The 2014 expansion transformed the institution into a soaring landscape of expansive galleries and high ceilings, designed to maximize natural illumination and foster deep contemplation. This architectural elegance is punctuated by whimsical moments, such as the presence of Florentijn Hofman’s

Rubber Duck

sculpture, which pays a playful tribute to Norfolk’s maritime heritage. For those seeking to witness the spark of creation, the museum houses the Perry Glass Studio, an interactive space where the rhythmic dance of molten glass and craftsmanship can be observed firsthand, bridging the gap between the finished masterpiece and the artist's hand.

Beyond its role as a repository for treasures, the Chrysler Museum is defined by its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. By offering free admission, the institution ensures that art remains an accessible luxury, breaking down socioeconomic barriers to welcome all seekers of beauty. For interior designers and collectors, the museum serves as an inexhaustible source of inspiration, providing a rich palette of textures, historical motifs, and color harmonies. It is more than a museum; it is a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, a place where the past and present breathe together, reminding every visitor that beauty and innovation are essential elements of a life well-lived.