Allan D’Arcangelo (1930-1998), Madonna and Child, 1963, Acrylic on canvas, 68 5/8”X 60 3/8”
Image courtesy of The Whitney.
Allan D’Arcangelo’s inclusion in the Whitney’s opening show, America Is Hard to See, was the first time we had seen his work in a long time. D’Arcangelo’s piece, above, was the hallmark of the Large Trademark section of the show at the Whitney commanding great attention in a room full of master works.
D’Arcangelo’s career spanned five decades, depicting the American landscape with a Pop sensibility including road signs, highways and airplane wings. His style, loosely termed “hard edge” or constructivist art, is based on spatial relationships. A keen sense of perception, complemented by expert use of color, tones and shadows create forceful compositions. In looking back over Allan D’Arcangelo’s life as an artist, critic Dore Ashton remembered “…hisromanticism, tempered by a Léger-like compositional precision… His poetic awareness of the vastnesses, both visible and invisible in American, life marked and distinguished his work” (Artforum, May 1999).
Allan D’Arcangelo, Constellation II, 1971.
Image courtesy of The Tate.
Allan D’Arcangelo, June Moon, 1963.
Image courtesy of WikiArt.
