Richard Diebenkorn: The Berkeley Years, 1953-1966

Currently on exhibit in Palm Springs, a retrospective of Diebenkorn's work from 1953 to 1966 while he lived in Berkeley.  Considered one of California's finest 20th century artists, this particular period is marked by vivid abstract landscapes characterizing the rich, natural conditions of the Bay Area, followed by a sudden shift to a representational style that played a leading role in the Bay Area Figurative Movement, which finally gave way again to abstraction after the artist’s move to southern California in 1966.  These transformations represent one of the most interesting chapters in post-war American art.  Diebenkorn was able to enact these changes with no disruptions to the unity of his art or the basic principles of his artistic personality.  His saturated canvases are arresting and emotional, and worthy of another visit.