Absolute Abstraction
Five American artists
Guest program by Mark Toscano, in his presence
This program focuses on five American artists who developed eclectic practices devoted to abstraction, inspired by diverse references including hard-edge abstract painting, cellular formations, optical/neural connections, and Islamic geometrical patterns.
Whether via pioneering computer animation, extensive research of optical phenomena, or handmade animation techniques, these artists explored and channeled the primal energy of abstract cinema to produce immersive works of deep emotional and perceptual engagement.
Mark Toscano is a filmmaker, curator and film restorer. Working with the Academy Film Archive, he specializes in the conservation and restoration of experimental films (many of which are included in Light Cone's catalog), notably the films in this program, but also those by Stan Brakhage, Pat O'Neill, David Rimmer and Chick Strand.
Lillian Schwartz films courtesy of the Henry Ford Museum with thanks to Kristen Gallerneaux. Robert Russett films courtesy of Moving Image from the Collections of The Henry Ford and the Academy Film Archive.
