ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Robert Ryman on Realist Abstraction in 1987 Artpress Interview

publication · 2026-04-24

In a 1987 dossier published in Artpress, Robert Ryman was among three abstract artists asked whether abstract painting ever disappeared and if a crisis existed. Ryman's response framed his work as a realist approach to painting, emphasizing materiality and process over representation. The interview appeared in the March 1987 issue of the French art magazine.

Key facts

  • Interview published in Artpress, March 1987
  • Part of a dossier featuring three abstract artists
  • Robert Ryman described his approach as realist
  • Question addressed a perceived crisis in abstract painting
  • Ryman focused on materiality and process

Entities

Artists

  • Robert Ryman

Institutions

  • Artpress

Sources