Stuart Ashman

The Linens are a groundbreaking series of forty-eight acrylic paintings on unstretched Belgian linen made from 1970 to 1977 by Ciel Bergman, begun at age thirty-two. Ranging from a starkly minimal aesthetic to representations that explore ideas of philosophy, The Linens began as a meditative practice to eradicate symbolic representation from Bergman's art. She called the process ""emptying out,"" and after a deeply affirming conversation with Georgia O'Keeffe in 1972, she wrote, ""I knew I had to become empty of the symbolism I had been using.""Although Bergman simultaneously struggled with and embraced symbols, they would appear again beside themes and philosophies that would remain in her work for the rest of her life: feminism, sexuality, and gender. The Linens established the success of Ciel Bergman as an artist-an artist remembered as vibrant, prolific, and tenacious, much like this series, which so well defines her.

The photographic output of Manuel Carrillo is not as well-known as the work of Manuel Alvarez Bravo and Edward Weston, his contemporaries in Mexico and the United States respectively, but his stature as a master of traditional (now classical) photography is unquestionable. His beautifully crafted gelatin silver prints are testimony to a master image maker who approaches his subject with awe-inspiring wonder. In Mi Querido México Manuel Carrillo shows his love for his native country, its people, landscape, churches, architecture, and even its animals. He shows the strength, beauty, and dignity of the Mexican people. In his work we see the cycle of life and convincing expressions covering a broad spectrum of the emotions and feelings that make up the human condition. This publication will undoubtedly expand the knowledge and appreciation of Manuel Carrillo’s work and his beloved Mexico.

Abstract art has a stunning presence in New Mexico. As a premier international art hub, the state is renowned for its artistic diversity, creative excitement, and cosmopolitan ambiance. The most sophisticated art lovers and collectors come from all over the world to experience the galleries and museums that exhibit abstract art. Today's creativity is built on centuries of Pueblo Indian design and Territorial Spanish elegance. More than a hundred years ago, prominent artists from the East Coast discovered the area and brought their energies to the task of founding the storied art colonies of Taos and Santa Fe. The light and the striking landscape proved fertile ground for innovative ideas and bold experimentation, then and now. Abstract Art presents a thoughtful sampling of the range and sheer variety of abstract art being produced in New Mexico today. Over 200 full color images reflect the vigor and originality of artists whose work compares favorably with that being produced in major metropolitan art centers. Stuart Ashman's essay covers the development of modern art in the state. He also selected the artists to appear, such as Eugene Newmann, Janet Lippincott, Kevin Tolman, Sally Anderson, Richard Hogan, Alan Paine Radebaugh, and Pascal. These artists are presented individually in profiles by Suzanne Deats.