Joanne Greenbaum stands out as a unique voice among artists who emerged in the 1980s, skillfully blending the visual legacies of icons like Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler with elements of Asian ink painting. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, where brush strokes embody both tranquility and dynamic motion. By reintroducing the act of drawing into the realm of painting during a period dominated by a specific aesthetic, she employs a variety of media in each piece. Utilizing materials such as oil paint, acrylic, flashe, and even ballpoint pens, Greenbaum creates intricate designs that are both flat and fluid, resulting in a vibrant tapestry of colors and shapes that maintain the distinctiveness of each component.
Her latest exhibition, titled Amnesia, at Nino Mier Gallery, showcases 13 paintings, three ballpoint pen drawings, and five ceramic sculptures, all created between 2010 and 2025. Each piece, untitled yet rich in expression, highlights her multifaceted artistic approach. For instance, one ceramic sculpture features a metallic glaze, while another incorporates silver leaf and an oil-based Sharpie, presenting a diverse array of styles that still resonate with her signature identity.
In a recent dialogue with fellow artist Amy Sillman, Greenbaum shared insights into her creative methodology, stating, "I don't really scrape away. I just keep adding until the painting feels like it doesn't need anything more. But there has to be lots of air in there, otherwise it's claustrophobic."
One of her notable works from 2014 showcases a blend of colored lines that form various patterns, layered beneath smooth, monochromatic shapes in a spectrum of oranges, blues, and reds. A prominent black form disrupts the composition, creating an intriguing interplay between two and three dimensions. This complexity is not formulaic; each piece in Amnesia stands alone, celebrating its originality.
In another 2016 artwork, Greenbaum employs ballpoint pen to craft irregular concentric circles, culminating in a central opaque spot. The imagery evokes a sense of water spiraling down a drain, yet the vibrant pink background disconnects it from reality, transforming it into a purely artistic expression. Her ability to evoke associations while emphasizing the medium itself reveals the fascinating contradictions inherent in her art.
Greenbaum's work navigates a perceptual landscape that shifts from object to space to action, all while avoiding direct representation. This playful exploration brings joy and spontaneity to her creations, reminiscent of the inventive spirit found in Joe Brainard's memoir I Remember and the poetry of Frank O'Hara, who celebrated the beauty of living diversely.
Joanne Greenbaum's Amnesia exhibition is on display at Nino Mier Gallery in Manhattan, running until February 14, showcasing the gallery's commitment to innovative art.