Al Held

After listening and looking at all the artwork from Michal Craig-Martin, I noticed that I have seen some of his pieces and recognized his name. His work in later years became hard lined or tape, with vibrant colors using mostly everyday ordinary objects such as a glass of water. He found his calling and what made him unique and popular all in one.

However like most famous artists he was taught by other famous or talented artist(s). It would make sense that would be able to see some sort of familiarity or branching off of from a students work from their teachers. In Michael's case it was above all Al Held who he seemed to absorb his experiences and teachings.

Al Held's Particular Paradox 2 (shown above.) has less hard lining in it but has a lot of shading, depth and contrast. It is mesmerizing with the center yellow structure expanding outwards and the purple, blue and red slide looking structures winding all around it. But the best part of this painting in my opinion is the background. The staggered and different color and size squares give this piece a great sense of depth. It also seems to give it movement, seeming as that center structure is actually spinning perhaps. Or even those slide looking structures are maybe wagging or slithering around.

I look at the very back of the painting and the use of the color makes it seem like I'm looking so far back I get slightly dizzy. All at the same time looking as though I am looking up and turning, very powerful piece to give off that feeling.