Signs of Mystery

Jerald Melberg Gallery

Abstract expressionist painter, collagist and printmaker, Robert Motherwell, is widely known for his sweeping, gestural mark-making. Although he worked in a variety of media, his gestures, which he interchangeably referred to as signs and conjured through automatism, are a throughline within his oeuvre. Signs of Mystery is an exhibition that explores this throughline, featuring both unique and editioned works that showcase Motherwell’s fully liberated mark-making.

The opening reception will be held at the gallery on Friday evening, November 8, from 6-8pm.

Motherwell’s freedom of visual expression is remarkable because, in addition to being an artist, he was also a prolific writer. He frequently wrote about the philosophy that undergirded the entire abstract expressionist movement, becoming a de facto spokesperson for an unruly group of rebellious artists in mid-20th century New York. As a result, he imparted many insights into his creative motivations. What is fascinating about Motherwell is that his highly analytical mind never stunted or constrained his creativity. Instead, he let all of his intellectual strictures fall away when he was making his work. Motherwell stated, Sometimes images may emerge from some chord in my subconscious, the way a dream might. Even in those paintings where an image unconsciously develops, a certain kind of experience is usually necessary in order to perceive it.

Signs of Mystery celebrates the enigma that was Robert Motherwell, while demonstrating that the greatest modes of expression can never be fully explained.

For more information and inquiries please contact us at gallery@jeraldmelberg.com | 704-365-3000.