About The Art

“The Butler’s Permanent Collection has long been known for its narrative works. Such stars as Hopper, Henri, O’Keeffe, Homer, and Bellows are treasured for their representational approach. Yet little is known of the Butler’s strong showing of abstraction and nonrepresentational works. The artists represented in this exhibition are well known, with works covering such 20th century movements as hard-edge abstraction, expressionism, and minimalism.” – Lou Zona

Pure abstraction exists on its own terms. There are no objects, people, or landscapes represented here, only lines, shapes, colors, forms, textures, and rhythms that create the experience. In the words of Ad Reinhardt, a central figure in American abstraction, “Art is art. Everything else is everything else.” According to his philosophies, painting should be stripped of narrative, politics, or utility, existing only as pure form and experience.

Artists in this exhibition approach that ideal from many directions. Nassos Daphnis embraces the precision of hard-edge geometry, while Leon Polk Smith builds upon that language with bold color fields that play with figure and ground with his tondo. Ronald Davis, represented by two works, pushes the limits of the traditional canvas further with unique geometric supports and intense color. Nicholas Krushenik carries that same vigor into a vibrant composition that pulses with energy, while Douglas Craft softens abstraction into painterly movement. Yayoi Kusama’s obsessive patterns bring both rigor and playfulness, suggesting infinity within fragile, intimate materials. Sculpture enters the dialogue through Louise Nevelson, whose intimate assemblage transforms everyday wood into a purely abstract form.

“Together, these works are testament of the myriad channels of pure abstraction whether precise, fluid, vibrant or restrained. What unites them is their refusal to tell stories or suggest answers. The art exists simply as itself, to be experienced.” – Liz Hicks

CATEGORIES: Exhibition

DATE: October 5, 2025 - November 30, 2025

LOCATION: Davis Gallery