Word: modernize
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...most common reactions from people experiencing their first taste of modern art is, "Gee, I could have done that." They see a few bright-colored geometric shapes scattered seemingly randomly on a canvas, or splotches of paint dribbled across it, and they assume that all they need is some paint and the nerve to tack high price tags on to their accidents in order to be an artist...
...fact when Helen Frankenthaler first exhibited one of her early abstract paintings, a teacher of hers asked her why she was exhibiting her paint rags. But Frankenthaler did not rise to her present fame by dabbling idly and relying on her name and good fortune to pull her through. Modern artists, believe it or not, have theory behind their work--complicated and highly-philosophical theory at times--that often ends up being a more important influence on their followers than the actual works...
...Fogg bills itself as a study of art and the theory behind art, and Davis certainly is an artist whose theory must be studied along with his painting. The concept of a show that sets out to tackle theory is intriguing and could conceivably win over a few modern art skeptics who only want to be told why the art world thinks the work of this artist deserves to be called...
...like Davis's, which is built on careful study of color and space and interrelationships between the two, can ever win a popular following. People who do not have the time and expertise to wade through lenthy and obscure explanations of theory will have to form their opinions of modern art purely from observation of bizarre-looking canvasses that are often not aesthetically pleasing and require great open-mindedness to appreciate...
Standing alone, Davis's works are fun. In the context of his art theory, they pose perplexing but mind-teasing problems. The Fogg show is undeniably well-put-together and definitely worth a visit, but it disappoints if its goal is to explain how a modern artist like Davis comes to paint what he does...