Eva Hesse's Early Paintings 'Spectres 1960' Reveal Figurative Roots at Brooklyn Museum

From September 16, 2011, until January 8, 2012, the Brooklyn Museum showcased 'Eva Hesse: Spectres 1960,' which included nineteen of Hesse's early paintings from 1960. Curated by E. Luanne McKinnon, the exhibit coined the term 'spectre' to describe Hesse's unique fusion of figurative and abstract elements. After studying under Josef Albers at Cooper Union and Yale, Hesse transitioned to sculpture in 1964. The paintings illustrate her quest for a distinct visual language, featuring intimate pieces with fragmented figures and expansive canvases that could represent self-portraits. The color scheme comprises muted tones accented by primary colors, all under subdued lighting. This exhibition signified a renewed institutional focus on Hesse's artistry following a 2002 retrospective.