Pollock painting surprises, pleases visitors at Butler

By Sean Barron

The $2 million work by the abstract expressionist was mounted over the weekend.

YOUNGSTOWN - Christmas for Laura Yuricek Spear and her husband, Chris, has meant enjoying traditional celebrations, spending time with family and taking in a bit of local culture.

The holidays also provided an unexpected treat.

“I was completely surprised. I had no idea it was here,” said Laura Spear, referring to a $2 million Jackson Pollock painting she saw displayed Sunday at the Butler Institute of American Art on Wick Avenue.

The painting that kicked her artistic appreciation into high gear was the 336-square-inch work, “Silver and Black” that Pollock painted in 1950 using metallic paint and oil. Last week, the masterpiece was given to the Butler as a gift by William and Linda Roemer of Pittsburgh, and was installed Saturday in the museum’s Beeghly Schaff Gallery.

Pollock, who represented a style called abstract expressionism, is regarded as one of the 20th century’s most significant and influential American artists. He adopted a gestural, magical-looking painting style in which he sometimes made movements that resembled an orchestra conductor.

He also used sticks and the ends of brushes, and often dripped paint from tools he held over a wall-sized canvas stretched out on the floor. Many of his works, including “Silver and Black,” feature his hidden signature as part of the painting.

Laura Spear said that shortly after driving to the area from their Boston home, the couple was encouraged to visit the museum.

“I asked my sister about cultural things and she said, ‘How about the Butler?’” Spear added.

For Chris Spear, the huge variety of styles and art pieces was the most impressive aspect of the museum, he said.

“Pollock’s methods, I think, caused him to be one of the most revolutionary painters of his time,” noted Kathryn Earnhart, the Butler’s director of public relations.

Next to the display of “Silver and Black” in the museum is a four-minute series of clips showing the artist at work.

Most of his works are in private hands or at public galleries, she continued, adding that the Butler and the Cleveland Museum of Art are among the few in Ohio to house his art.

The condition of “Silver and Black,” along with its scarcity and Pollock’s contributions to American art, are the reasons for the painting’s high value, Earnhart explained, adding that it is part of the Butler’s permanent collection.

“People who know and understand Pollock’s work are delighted,” she said about the overall reaction of those who have viewed it.

Earnhart noted that Dr. Lou Zona, the museum’s director, is to give a talk and show a film on Pollock at 2 p.m. Jan. 10 in the Butler’s auditorium. The free event will be on a first- come, first-served basis, she said.