This reading was written by painter Ben Shahn in 1957, during the height of the modern painting movement of the Abstract Expressionists. Much of what he is writing about addresses one of the main goals of these painters, who wanted to make art that “wasn’t about anything” except that they were paint on canvas.

His discussion of the relationship between form and content is pertinent to our class. What does he mean by “form”? What about “content”? Make sure you are clear on these distinctions.

Also, look at what he says about abstraction on page 74. Think about how abstract images can communicate information.

Finally, pay close attention to the way he closes up the chapter with a discussion of the relationship of form and content from page 81 on. How does form enhance or complete content?