J. Steven Manolis (b. 1948- )
Black & White (Concentric), 2020
40 x 30 inches
Acrylic on Canvas
J. Steven Manolis started focusing on painting Black & White abstract paintings as a category when art critic Donald Kuspit said to him, "I see what you can do with colors, but show me what you can do with black and white."
Later, Kuspit would write, "Black is another color, as Matisse said. Manolis’ mastery of black confirms that he is a modern master … and with that an abstract expressionist…"
Manolis paints Black & White paintings on canvas and watercolors. This is the only category for which he chooses a different feeling or theme to explore on an annual basis.
Manolis states, “My painting hero, and Father of Abstract Expressionism, Wassily Kandinsky was a concentric painter! He introduced the open loop, which to him symbolized both the universe and the human soul. Concentrics also have a long human history symbolizing positive spirituality which enormously appeals to me."