Pollock Art Revealed

For the first time in nearly a half-century, Jackson Pollock's monumental frieze painting, "No. 2, 1949," is being seen as the artist created it. One of Pollock's pioneering paintings from his classic "drip" period, "No. 2" was covered front and back with polyvinyl acetate in 1959 by a well-intentioned museum conservator. Application of PVA was a standard conservation practice at the time. Acting like shrink wrap, the veneer arrested the cracking and flaking that was slowly damaging the painting. But it also left a blue-gray sheen that dulled the Indian red background and the layers of glossy colors. Now, after undergoing conservation treatment at the masterpiece is back on display. Removing the coating has improved how the 16-foot-long painting looks, creating more depth by allowing the brighter colors to come forward and the background to recede. Pollock evolved into one of modern America's most commanding painters during the 1940s and 1950s before dying in a drunk-driving accident in 1956 at age 44. (For full source and article click the Headline). Irish Art