Jewish Painters: On the Forefront of Abstract Expressionism

What is it about Abstract Expressionism that attracted so many Jewish artists? Artist Loren Means will answer this question while focusing on Helen Frankenthaler, who originated the totally unique approach to applying paint “Soak-Stain.”

The work of women artists continues to break through and get important recognition as seen in the cases of Lee Krasner and Elaine De Kooning who have recently emerged from the shadows of their famous husbands, Jackson Pollock and Willem De Kooning, now considered to be significant artists in their own right. We’ll also explore the work of Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman two more consequential members of this school of art. Loren will share his thoughts on Newman’s famous quote: “Aesthetics is for the artist as ornithology is for the birds.”

Loren Means has displayed his abstract-expressionist film paintings in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and New York City. He was Education Director for Artisan’s Gallery in Mill Valley and curated an art show at Marin Civic Center.