HOWARD MEHRING

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
06797571
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
5
Document Creation Date: 
March 9, 2023
Document Release Date: 
January 29, 2021
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
F-2011-00399
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon HOWARD MEHRING[15869509].pdf65.87 KB
Body: 
Approved for Release: 2021/01/29 C06797571 (b)(4) Untitled Howard Mehring Value: UNK Descriptor: Unavailable L2009-0001-0014 35.5" x 35" Approved for Release: 2021/01/29 C06797571 Arrows Robert W. Newmann VMC Untitled Norman Bluhm Merry Christmas Norman Bluhm VM 122 Approved for Release: 2021/01/29 C06797571 Untitled Howard Mehring VM S/ � (b)(4) Untitled Howard Mehring � I ft_ 5t1 pc 2 ii VM 288 Untitled Howard Mehring VM 291 (b)(4) Approved for Release: 2021/01/29 C06797571 Approved for Release: 2021/01/29 C06797571 (b)(4) Untitled "Whirling" Howard Mehring Vincent Melzac Collection (on loan) no date (ca.1958) This early Mehring work shows the artist studying the way the staining process works and also shows him enjoying its accidental effects. Most basically, Mehring presents a contrast here of pigment on the surface of the canvas with that of deep staining: the viscosity of the white areas, which is here virtually poured straight onto the canvass out of a bucket, is in vivid contrast to the thin ethereal space of the purple area, which appears to be poured and the blotted, resulting in deep staining. In some ways, this work is reminiscent of a galaxy formation or of something biological, viewed under a microscope. This relationship to science � away from a romantic depiction, closer to the very nature of the material and the simplicity of shape � is viewed as a very American characteristic of the artists of this period. Loan from Mrs. Melzac L2009-0001-0006 Washington Color School 53" x 35.5" $6,000.00 Approved for Release: 2021/01/29 C06797571 Arrows Robert W. Newmann VMC Approved for Release: 2021/01126-606797571 Howard Mehring VM 206 Untitled Norman Bluhm NSN 242 Merry Christmas Norman Bluhm VM 122 (b)(4) a (b)(4) (b)(4) Untitled Howard Mehring VM 288 Untitled Howard Mehring VM 2c11 (b)(4) (b)(4) (b)(4) Approved for Release: 2021/01/29 C06797571 Approved for Release: 2021/01/29 C06797571 Rudder Thomas Downing 1965 Vincent Melzac Collection (on loan) Washington Color School This work illustrated Downing's transition from rectangular to shaped canvases, while he continues his effort to find the perfect way to communicate the expressive qualities of color. Downing here still uses the dot � now enlarged � as color module, but he is trying to "unlock" the color by giving the canvas an illusion of moving diagonally upward, while the bottom edge of the canvas appears to move closer to the viewer than does the top. While the simplification of his dot pattern may have reduced the activity or sense of movement within the painting, it results in an increased dramatic impact. Loan from Mrs. Melzac L2009-0001-0008 Washington Color School $8,500.00 126" x 68.5" Approved for Release: 2021/01/29 C06797571