From early 1957 through 1959, Gottlieb concentrated exclusively on the Burst paintings. The polarity of the forms in these works-with their competing emotional charges-has been interpreted as representing essential contrasts such as day and night, male and female, sun and earth. Searching for a pure expression of the internal self within the cosmic realm, Gottlieb explored a remarkable range of possibilities for abstract painting. The Burst paintings have become the iconic images most commonly associated with the artist's late style. Adolph Gottlieb (American, 1903-1974) Burst 1973 Acrylic and enamel on canvas ©Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY
		While many of his colleagues assiduously refined a signature image, Gottlieb deployed the basic elements and ideas of his Burst paintings in a variety of configurations throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. A stroke in 1970 left Gottlieb paralyzed except for the use of his right hand and arm. Undaunted, he intensified the exploration of his stylistic and conceptual range as he increased his production. During this time, Gottlieb even created the largest picture of his career, Triptych of 1971. Burst 1973, the latest painting in this exhibition, was completed only a few months before the artist's death.