FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco ’s Challenge to New York : Abstract Expressionism in the West

May 5, 2004 – San Francisco ’s challenge to the New York Abstract Expressionist art scene will be on view at the Crocker Art Museum , May 8 – July 11. San Francisco and the Second Wave: The Blair Collection of Bay Area Abstract Expressionism represents works spanning three decades by nearly 60 artists that have made distinct contributions to American art. The works characterize the ideals of a momentous time in the mid-20 th century, the rise of West Coast artistic leadership, and foundations for the excellence of many generations of art and artists in Northern California .

Abstract Expressionism dominated New York and California art scenes beginning in the late 1940s. The movement was characterized by a new emphasis on formal techniques, intellectualism and introspective approaches. In the West, artists reacting to the movement developed their own quintessentially Californian responses. In close contact with the Beat generation of San Francisco writers, musicians and philosophers, many artists prioritized experimentation and exchange of ideas above the finished work. Most California artists also focused on portraying an inner reality through style and form apart from the more visceral emphasis on action in New York, and many Californians continued to look at the landscape for inspiration.

San Francisco ’s artistic rise was further made possible by the 1945 appointment of Douglas MacAgy as director of the California School of Fine Arts (CSFA), now the San Francisco Art Institute. MacAgy’s leadership brought together what many have described as the finest art faculty in the United States at that time. This remarkable artistic environment meant that for the first time San Francisco was positioned to challenge New York as America ’s primary art center.

Many of the paintings in this exhibition are by artists who either studied or taught at the CSFA during the postwar period. Some later earned acclaim for more representational styles such as Bay Area Figuration or Funk. Others are little known today, but made important contributions to the California-based “Second-Wave” of Abstract Expressionist painting. This exhibition aims to revaluate these artists and their works, some of which have not been publicly displayed in more than 40 years.

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The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday; Thursday until 9 p.m. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 264-5423 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

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Media Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti
Media: (916) 264-1963
Mobile : (916) 213-9402
Public: (916) 264-5423
216 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.crockerartmuseum.org