Big Huh

A number of years ago, I attended an Ellsworth Kelly retrospective. I didn't quite "get" him until the recorded guide said something that turned on the lightbulb. I then understood. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember what that enlightening message was when I recently saw a Kelly show at Matthew Marks gallery. So, his work had the same effect on me as it did pre-retrospective: a big "huh?" The show is divided among three galleries--a number of blocks apart. (Note to gallerists: please stop spreading exhibits across multiple galleries. Doing so is a disservice to the artist and to my feet.) I rather enjoyed the black and white paintings. I liked the cut-out appearance and swath of black or white slicing across the canvas. The colored works, however, left me a little cold. (Images via Matthew Marks gallery)