Frank Stella's Working Space Dossier Analyzes Abstraction's Pictorial Evolution

A 1988 dossier examines Frank Stella's artistic practice and the critical state of abstraction following Piet Mondrian. The analysis argues that abstraction requires the development of a new form of picturality, one possessing power comparable to the pictorial innovations that emerged in 16th-century Italy. The text positions Stella's work within this urgent artistic discourse, suggesting his approach contributes to defining this necessary new visual language for abstract art. The discussion centers on the concept of 'working space' as fundamental to Stella's methodology and to the future vitality of the abstract tradition. This dossier was published by artpress on May 1, 1988, framing a significant moment of theoretical reflection on contemporary painting's direction.