Four Exhibitions Revive Interest in Late Modernist Color-Field Painting

A resurgence of attention is emerging for modernist painting from the 1970s onward, evidenced by four concurrent exhibitions in New York. At Berry Campbell, "Walter Darby Bannard: Dragon Water" features works from the 1970s, showcasing his shift from minimalism to modernism with vibrant, textured surfaces, including the 1978 piece "Pakistani" in acrylic on canvas. Bernard Jacobson Gallery is presenting "Helen Frankenthaler: Paintings" through April 30, focusing on her output from the 1970s and highlighting "Bella Donna" from 1987. Spanierman Gallery hosts "Dan Christensen: Sprays and Stains" from March 6 to April 2, primarily displaying 1980s works with one late-1960s painting. Paul Kasmin Gallery offers "Jules Olitski: Mitt Paintings" from March 6 to April 19, featuring pieces created between 1989 and 1992 during Olitski's baroque period, made using heavy house-painting gloves. These shows follow recent exhibitions of Larry Poons's early and recent paintings, reviewed by Jill Nathanson. Bannard's exhibition at 530 West 24th Street runs through March 15, emphasizing his exploration of offbeat colors and succulent surfaces in the modernist style.