Fugue Number 2 features heavily outlined circles, arcs, ellipses, squares, and organic, fantastic shapes that suggest ancient or totemic forms. To create the crusty accretions on the painting’s surface, the artist added sand to his paint. Pousette-Dart was interested in Asian philosophy (Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and the Bhagavad Gita, in particular) as well as the mythology and visual language of the African, Pre-Columbian, Oceanic, and Native American cultures. He spoke of his art in spiritual terms but without subscribing to any particular religion. “I strive to express the spiritual nature of the Universe,” he said. “Painting is for me a dynamic balance and wholeness of life; it is mysterious and transcending, yet solid and real.”

Gallery label from

Abstract Expressionist New York, October 3, 2010-April 25, 2011.

Medium Oil and sand on canvas
Dimensions 41 1/8" x 8' 10 1/2" (104.2 x 270.4 cm)
Credit Given anonymously
Object number 1100.1969
Department Painting & Sculpture

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