We can always learn something new, and I’m always thrilled and a bit perplexed when I learn about something I knew nothing about before.  So it was with the special exhibit at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.  The exhibit was entitled “Zero” and chronicled the artists of an artistic movement of the 1950s and 1960s that saw themselves as a reaction to abstract expressionism.  Many of the artists included in the exhibit are better known for other artistic movements such as Arte Povera, Minimalism, New Realism,Op Art, and Kinetic Art.

In manifestos published by the group it sought to eliminate color, emotion, and individual expression.  You may be familiar with some of these artists though likely haven’t seen these particular works and will be seeing some more of their work as we progress to modern art in our class.  Some of this may be difficult to accept but keep an open mind.