Al Held's Geometric Abstractions and Nancy Spero's War Series Exhibited in Chelsea Galleries

In New York's Chelsea neighborhood, two exhibitions present opposing artistic perspectives. Al Held's "New Paintings," showcasing vibrant large-scale canvases, is on display at Robert Miller Gallery until January 3. His piece "Genesis II" (2002) reflects a blend of geometric precision and spatial uncertainties. Held's artistic journey mirrors that of Frank Stella, transitioning from simplicity to intricate designs. Meanwhile, Galerie Lelong features Nancy Spero's "The War Series, 1966-70," available until December 6, which critiques the Vietnam War through gouaches that morph helicopters into insects and atomic mushrooms into phalluses. Spero's art combines political commentary with personal narrative, foreshadowing her influence in the women's art movement. Both exhibits underscore the advanced stages of Held's geometric abstraction and Spero's feminist protest art. This article was published in the New York Sun on December 4, 2003.