Al Held: Alphabet Paintings 1961-1967 at CHEIM & READ

James Kalm had intended to attend the opening of this historic exhibition, but got sidetracked. Returning a few weeks later, he is able to record views of these paintings in near empty gallery spaces. The "Alphabet Paintings" mark the transition between Held's beginnings as a second generation Abstract Expressionist, and his mature status as a proponent of Color-Field and Post painterly abstraction. The simple yet massive forms, and the huge areas of unmodulated color captured the attention of critics and artists , and were the impetus for Held's elevation as one of the most influential and significant painters of the post WWII era. A musical introduction was captured live in the streets of Williamsburg Brooklyn by The Trouble Notes www.thetroublenotes.com/

[@chezceleste]

Thank you Kate...so grateful for your videos.

[@mayormc]

I have watched this several times over the years. Gotta love Al Held. Excellent commentary and camerawork digging deep into the surface. Nice.

[@shiva4ever]

Amazing and thoroughly enjoyable, as usual. Thanks 🙂🙏

[@juliorodarte9952]

I've always loved his work. Makes me wanna paint that big!

[@superfly2449]

Time travel to Al Held at Cheim & Reid with JK & K.

[@clarkrichert]

OOOOOOh - This is so good! Love Held's scale, proportion and geometry, and PAINT. Great close ups of the facture (and pentimenti). THANKS!!

[@bryanpadgett2571]

Great stuff - close shots - commentary - great and thanks .

[@sbachem]

stunning!!!

[@gokiveliki]

cheim & read always delivers!

[@UnreliableUsername]

Amazing work

[@ccsitaround]

always a cool trip--thanks

[@TheTerminalExpress]

"A small picture is an object. A large picture is an experience."

[@davidmayhew4818]

I'm sure Al could afford to store them. Or the gallery. RIP Al Held. You were great!

[@EdgeworthJohnstone]

good to see them up close. i think better for the imperfections.

[@davidmayhew8083]

It kills me that you asked the storage question. One of the elephants in the room.

[@Purpurita_2023]

"and..a.."

[@theschwarzey]

If somebody plays James Kalm in a movie, would Nicholas Cage be alright?