ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Robert Mangold on Abstraction as Direct Statement

publication · 2026-04-24

In a 1987 dossier for artpress, Robert Mangold discusses abstraction as the most direct means of making a statement. He addresses the evolution of line in his drawings, noting a shift toward broader, more diffuse lines while maintaining a characteristic softness. The interview is part of a feature with three abstract artists responding to questions about their practice.

Key facts

  • Robert Mangold participated in a dossier on abstraction for artpress in 1987.
  • Mangold describes abstraction as the most direct way to make a statement.
  • His lines have become wider and more diffuse over time.
  • The dossier includes responses from three abstract artists.
  • Mangold's lines retain a certain softness.
  • The interview focuses on the tracing of drawings in his work.
  • The publication date is March 1987.
  • The source is artpress magazine.

Entities

Artists

  • Robert Mangold

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources