ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Brice Marden on Abstraction's Mystery in Artpress Dossier

publication · 2026-04-24

In a 1987 Artpress dossier, three abstract painters respond to the state of abstraction. Brice Marden argues for preserving abstraction's mystery, rejecting the notion of a crisis. The dossier contextualizes abstraction's perceived renaissance after a period dominated by figurative work, while Neo-Geo practitioners claim abstraction is in crisis.

Key facts

  • Artpress published a dossier in March 1987 titled 'Trois abstraits répondent'.
  • Brice Marden was one of the three abstract painters interviewed.
  • Marden advocates for leaving abstraction its mystery.
  • The dossier discusses a perceived renaissance of abstract painting after 5-6 years of figurative dominance.
  • Neo-Geo practitioners consider abstraction to be in a state of crisis.
  • The source is from Artpress, a French art magazine.
  • The article is from March 1987.
  • The dossier includes responses from three abstract artists.

Entities

Artists

  • Brice Marden

Institutions

  • Artpress

Sources