ISA GENZKEN (B. 1948)

This dark, seemingly photographic canvas is a stunning example of Isa Genzken's earliest trial with the genre of painting. Working with a palette of dark browns and greens, the German artist used the technique of frottage on her studio floor to convey the tactile quality of these works. The title of this series, Basic Research, is appropriate as the viewer feels the "research" and experimentation that Genzken put into these early paintings. It is easy to feel the abstract influence of Gerhard Richter, Genzken's husband at the time, in these works, however she strays away from him by using a limited color palette. The Basic Research series established Genzken as a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional artist.