Jack Bush's 2012 Exhibition at FreedmanArt Showcases Color Field Paintings

FreedmanArt presented a solo exhibition of Jack Bush's paintings from February 18 to April 28, 2012, at its New York gallery on 25 East 73rd Street. The Canadian artist, a key figure in Color Field Painting, distinguished himself from American peers through a unique approach that combined intense yet uningratiating colors with earthy textures. His work, such as the 1974 acrylic on canvas "Sing Sing Sing" measuring 68 by 114-3/4 inches, features rough-torn ribbons against a marbled ground, balancing chromatic vibrancy with oafish shapes. Critic Hilton Kramer once described Bush's paintings as "a garden for the eye," highlighting their visual impact. Bush's style avoided both geometric hard edges and ethereal sprays, instead delivering a provincial yet contemporary aesthetic that resonates today. The exhibition showcased his obstinate remove from mainstream trends, with colors mixed to appear sooty and chalky, creating an uneasy interplay between gesture and expanse. This display underscored his relevance in the art world, emphasizing his contributions to Color Field Painting from a Canadian perspective.