Telescope
Artist
Steven Sorman
(American)
Date1982
MediumOil on vinyl
Dimensions48 × 108 in. (121.9 × 274.3 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Object numberUAC2849
DescriptionTelescope is a very long and unusual piece both in its length and in the materials that it consists of, oil paints on vinyl. The piece is a blurring of paint layers, something that oil paint is usually known for. However rather than building up a smooth surface of color and shadow as Leonardo Da Vinci may have done, Sorman layers contrasting colors to build up this surface. Looking closely at this painting, the texture and many layers of paint and material become visible as well, in a way like viewing the painting surface through a telescope to give the viewer a closer look at the mundane details that might be missed on a smaller piece.In a historical context, Sorman is working in a similar visual style to Hans Hoffman who layered colors and blocks in a similar way with visible brush strokes and textural quality. Some of the abstract expressionists at the time worked in these large canvases and interesting texture instead of strictly interesting scenes like Leonardo Da Vinci might have painted.
Painter and printmaker Steven Sorman got his BFA from University of Minnesota, his work is exemplified by abstract lines and patterns that create dynamic movement across his compositions. His work can be found in many prestigious collections including the Tate Gallery, Museum of Modern Art, New York, The Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Stedlijk Museum.
Written by Alex Heath
