The exhibit, “The Language of Abstraction,” on display until June 24 in the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Arts Program Gallery not only treats viewers to a visual feast that is both explosive in color and movement, but also provides them the opportunity to experience three very different approaches to abstract art.

The show explores the structurally complex works of internationally known artists Ed Clark of New York, New York; Richard W. Franklin of Bowie, Maryland; and the late Kenneth Young of Washington, D.C. Studying their paintings in juxtaposition encourages dialogue about the magnetic and surprising way each artist translates abstraction to draw attention to—and unveil the language within—his work.

For instance, Clark, widely known for his inventiveness and technical experimentation, is the first painter credited with working on oval or other alternatively-shaped canvases and has made innovative use of the push broom to move paint across them.

Young, a Washington Color School painter, employed his studies in physics and the natural sciences at Indiana University—his knowledge of form and matter—to give his paintings spatial intensity.

Franklin is the first American artist given a solo exhibition at the National Museum of Modern Art in Seoul, Korea.  He spoke last November at the Academy of Visual Arts in Hong Kong on how artists can use their professional passion to help them develop a professional life outside of the studio.

On March 18, Franklin, along with Melanca Clark and Leslie Young, daughters of artists Ed Clark and Kenneth Young, shared their views on abstractionism and the works on display in a discussion moderated by Virginia Adams, Ph.D., at “The Language of Abstraction” opening reception.

For more information about UMUC's Arts Program, exhibitions and collections visit umgc.edu/art.

Exhibition Dates for “The Language of Abstraction” 

• March 4–June 24, 2018

Exhibition Hours

• 9 a.m.–9 p.m. daily

Location UMUC Arts Program Gallery, Lower Level University of Maryland University College College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center 3501 University Boulevard East Adelphi, MD 20783 | Directions