Michael Welzenberg Where Are You Essay

Carol Brown Goldberg is a 20th century artist. Her abstract piece on display at the Reading Public Museum entitled, Michael Welzenberg, Where Are You? creates a lustrous environment for inquisitive deliberation. The massive piece, done using acrylic on canvas and pulverized glass, was completed in 2007 and stands roughly seven feet by eight feet. Everything about the piece completely engulfs the viewer’s attention with its use of colorful design, size, and over all layout.

At first the colors used in the image allude to a state of confused happiness. The perfectly aligned purple dots establish a sense of order, while also transitioning from dark to light and back to dark, only stopping to create a non-dotted focal point. This gradient adds depth to the work, while the focal point allows for a space in the piece for viewers to individually interpret their own feelings and opinions.

Along with the gradient of organized dots, Goldberg uses stencils to create randomized points of intricate design.

These points are presented in a vivid golden color and are done to create a contrast to the organization that the purple dots represented. Not only are these points stenciled in amongst the dots, but also in the non-dotted focal point as well. This gives a sense of disorder to the previously established order by the dots, and even disrupting the clarity provided by the non-dotted focal point.

Goldberg then goes on to portray usage of action painting by splattering multiple different colors all over the canvas. This creates a feeling of almost chaos to the order portrayed by the dots. Even the golden designs are splashed with paint in opposition of their detail. This adds a sense of inner confusion or conflict. While the other two elements of the painting, though conflicting, have a sense of order and design. The usage of action painting portrays inner anguish or turmoil with absolutely no rhyme or reason at

all.
The final addition to the piece is glittering pulverized glass. This finishing touch adds a glistening to the piece that also contrasts everything else done. It plays the role of an instant attention grabber when capturing the light with its crystal-like particles. The pulverized glass seemingly represents makeup, almost. It is one of the first things a viewer will notice, with its high sparkle, but then when a viewer takes a closer look they will notice all the other opposing elements in the piece.
While the visual display of the piece is extraordinary, the sheer size itself is impressive. At almost seven by eight feet, Goldberg’s piece is representative of American art. It is a common view shared by many, that when thinking of America, “bigger is better.” And in this case, it is. Goldberg’s use of a massive canvas gives the feeling of an open environment. It allows the artist to portray each aspect of the individual conflicting elements fully, while still creating a sense of peace and clarity.
The over all layout of Goldberg’s piece allows one to interpret this piece in a variety of different ways. Goldberg sets a tone where individuals can generate their own idea about the meaning of the piece. She does not impose any direct message, but rather subtle hints to aspects of life. The transitioning dots represent everyday monotonies, while the golden intricate designs portray highlight-worthy moments in life. The use of action painting shows the inner turmoil we all face, while the pulverized glass represents the façades we all portray. Each of these elements conflict but also gently accent each other while simultaneously creating a space for peace in the work. Through this simple, yet intricate piece, Goldberg represents every day life.