Featured Gift

Through the generosity and philanthropy of Daniel and Shirlee Cohen Freed, the Museum of Art is the recipient of a magnificent oil painting by the internationally acclaimed artist, Adolph Gottlieb. This masterpiece, entitled “Drift”, represents the most significant contribution to the Museum’s Postwar American Art Collection.  The painting will be displayed on the main floor of the Museum and, by a provision in Mrs. Freed’s will, the plaque on the painting will read “Gift from Daniel and Shirlee Cohen Freed to the Community.”

Adolph Gottlieb created some of the most demanding Abstract Expressionist art.  He favored the single expression of abstract thought, the large shape because it had the impact of the unequivocal and flat forms because they destroy illusion and reveal truth.  Subject is crucial in his paintings and the only subject-matter that is valid is that which is tragic and timeless.

With the “burst” in “Drift,” Gottlieb wrestled with absolutes comparable on one level to the vastness of space and the light years between stars.  In the Museum’s refined but painfully elemental painting, there is an eloquent attempt to embrace infinity.  This donation from the Freed’s has made a noteworthy addition to the Museum’s permanent collection.