The works of the 1970s mark a particularly productive phase in Helen Frankenthaler’s career and form a focal point of the Reinhard Ernst Collection. During this period, Frankenthaler gained increasing fame and recognition through awards and international traveling exhibitions. This is especially significant against the backdrop of the still male-dominated art scene of the time.
In the mid-1970s, Frankenthaler further developed her painting process. She introduced a thicker application of paint in her works, using a saturated brush to lay down blocks of color over soaked canvas. On the surface, bands of color shimmer with subtle nuances. The painting Second Wind is an impressive composition in a sprawling, landscape-like format that invites us to immerse ourselves in it.
During this creative phase, August Deep (1978) was also created—another example of Frankenthaler’s mastery in landscape-inspired painting.
Helen Frankenthaler (1928–2011)
Second Wind, 1976
Currently exhibited: Yes (Helen Frankenthaler: Move and Make)
Material: Acrylic paint on canvas
Size: 264.3 x 401.6 cm
Inv-Nr.: B_360
Image rights: VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn; Copyright: Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, New York
Keywords:
Previous owner: André Emmerich Gallery, New York; Previous owner: Ace Gallery, Los Angeles; Previous owner: Private collection, Fort Worth
Acquisition: Reinhard Ernst Collection, 2016
