Object of Knowledge

Kenneth Nack

Kenneth Nack, who studied in Paris with Ferdnand Leger in 1950, the year he was featured in LIFE magazine as one of the nineteen best young American painters described his work:

"This painting assembles the visual tones and color senses that echo the flow of energy beween the worlds of ancient reality and the worlds of contemporary change."

Nack was influenced by Klee, Miro and the Surrealists, who drew on ancient civilizations, as well as 16th century music notes and cave paintings. This 1951 early Surrealist painting combines intricate painting and drawing done with many layers of glazes and using ground marble and glue, achieving depth with the feeling of collage. The result is a complicated and intriguing work of art that present the viewer with a composition of fresh color and linear movement. A visual mystery that is never fully solved.