Richard Anuszkiewicz: Interconnections - The Final Paintings - 1986-2020

The “Knots” series are among the last paintings that Richard Anuszkiewicz (1930-2020) worked on in his studio at the time of his death. This group of five paintings, on view at Rosenthal Fine Art from September 9th through October 13th, are perfect examples of illusionism-shattering flatness. The third dimension is present, but in an ambiguous, even paradoxical way. The squares and rectangles are made up of strips that overlap, going over and under each other. Colors seem to oscillate back and forth, each seeming to be in front for a moment and then recede to allow the other to come forward.

The “Knots” may also suggest labyrinths which historically functioned as cosmic diagrams and could be seen as objects for mystical contemplation. Anuszkiewicz’ mathematical approach, his deep quest to understand the nature of color and its interaction of forms combine to create a masterful last series. 

Image: UNTITLED (KNOT NO. 1120), 1986-2020. Acrylic on Canvas, 72 x 84 inches