Adolf Gottlieb Apaquogue

Posted on Friday April 17, 2009

This painting was completed in 1961, and we see Gottlieb has come into a type of abstract landscape. These paintings are referred to as the “burst” paintings. I have recently realized that my paintings are landscapes. I have found that after returning from a trip, the experiences of seeing a new or different landscape, new or different colors, come out subconsciously in my paintings.

How does Apaquogue compare to Water, Air, Fire? (the green painting below)…

There is a softness in Water, Air, Fire, that repeats in Apaquogue. He applies the paint in almost a wash in both paintings. In the areas of contrasting color in the previous painting, the edges are soft, he has applied the paint with a thin and soft touch, and has “rubbed it in”. We see the same application in Apaquogue. The three “suns” have fading edges, soft and “rubbed” just like the application of paint in Water, Air, Fire. The black paint below is thin, a wash, yes, thicker on top, but still a rubbed wash in the background.

This style of application conveys to me a tenderness, and emotional fraility, a sweetness
and feeling of tranquility.

As far as the composition, he has simplified it in the later painting. However, it is still arranged in a block format that we can see far back in his very early work, with the “block” arrangement of the table legs in the still life.

To me, the content of this painting has so much meaning. It represents stormy seas, black trouble, war, whatever you can imagine from the strong, black, choppy brushstrokes. Yet up above the fray, we see the glowing soft light of tranquility. The “suns” feel as though they will float there melting softness over harshness forever. To me this represents the idea that no matter what turmoil we are experiencing in life, there is a steady flow of positive energy floating over us. That everything is in perfect order and happening as it should. Each hardship has a higher purpose behind it, and the boat will always return to a calm harbour no matter how rough the seas become. For me the story I feel Gottlieb is telling is a very comforting one.