• Norman Bluhm
• American, 1921-1999
• "Untitled, 1973"
• Mixed Media
• 35 1/4 x 36 1/4 inches
• Signed and dated lower right, 1973
• Temporarily Unavailable

At this point in Norman’s career, he was carrying Abstract Expressionism to a new level by expanding its spiritual meaning and cultural potential. These works, as mentioned by Hess are sweeping erotic creations where such colors as pink, yellow, and purple work together. Although it is not easily identifiable, Bluhm is portraying the nude in these paintings. In Untitled, 1973 the black figures with the blue and pink borders suggest this theme. Furthermore, the purple and yellow explosions of paint interact with the linear black shapes to create a composition that consists of two separate movements. Together, these movements reveal the tension of an inward-circling picture that draws the eye to the center, an upside down triangle with absence of paint. Untitled, 1973 is an intriguing piece from this period. Unlike many of Norman’s paintings from the 70s that hint at the nude through flesh tone colors like pink and yellow, this painting is overwhelmed with dark, opaque colors. The grays and blacks are used to contrast the different shapes and movements in the painting. In this, the symbol in the middle of the painting stands out like a Maple Tree in Arizona; helping the viewer understand the artist’s message of the nude.