Paul Jenkins and the Alchemy of Color: Abstract Expressionism’s Enduring Legacy

Dear Friends and Collectors,

For those of you who know me personally, you know my deep love for Abstract Expressionism. During my undergraduate years at Kent State University in the mid-90s, my work was heavily immersed in AB-EX theory—surrounded by professors, both tenured and adjunct, many of whom had ties to New York’s art scene. Abstract Expressionism was the foundation.

So, imagine my excitement when I found out that I’ll be showing alongside a Paul Jenkins painting at Sponder Gallery’s booth at the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair! This is a huge honor—Jenkins, a master of color and movement, played a pivotal role in shaping postwar abstraction. Seeing my work in the same space as his is beyond exciting for me professionally.

If you're attending the fair, make sure to stop by Sponder Gallery's booth to see this incredible lineup of work. Hope to see you there!

Best, Gabriel Delgado

Paul Jenkins, Phenomena White Chalice, 1986 Acrylic on canvas, 39 x 40 1/2 in.

Paul Jenkins and the Alchemy of Color:

Abstract Expressionism’s Enduring Legacy

Paul Jenkins' Phenomena White Chalice (1986) is a quintessential example of the artist’s masterful engagement with color, form, and the metaphysical properties of paint. Jenkins, a key figure in the second generation of Abstract Expressionists, is widely celebrated for his pioneering use of fluid acrylics and his technique of controlled pouring, which allowed him to orchestrate spontaneous yet highly intentional compositions. His work stands as a vital link between the gestural dynamism of Action Painting and the chromatic transcendence of Color Field painting.

Jenkins’ significance as an artist stems from his innovative approach to abstraction, which was deeply influenced by his interest in Jungian psychology, Eastern philosophy, and the transcendental possibilities of art. Unlike his contemporaries who often relied on the immediacy of brushwork, Jenkins adopted a more meditative process, guiding thinned pigments across the canvas with a knife rather than a brush, allowing color to dictate form organically. This method resulted in luminous, almost ethereal compositions that reflect both the physicality of paint and the intangible nature of experience and perception.

Phenomena White Chalice is emblematic of Jenkins’ mature style, demonstrating his capacity to create depth and movement through the interplay of light and transparency. The title itself, suggests a philosophical or even spiritual inquiry into the nature of perception and the act of seeing. The work’s central form, resembling an open book or a chalice, is not only a testament to Jenkins’ ability to evoke symbolic imagery through abstraction but also aligns with his broader exploration of dualities: material and immaterial, structure and fluidity, control and surrender.

At the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair, this painting stands as a blockbuster artwork within Sponder Gallery’s presentation, offering historical gravitas and a direct lineage to the Abstract Expressionist movement. Given Palm Beach’s audience of sophisticated collectors and institutions, Jenkins’ work is particularly resonant, as it embodies a legacy of American postwar abstraction while maintaining an immediate, visceral appeal through its vibrant color and gestural lyricism. This painting not only speaks to the evolution of abstraction but also underscores Jenkins’ enduring influence on contemporary practices that continue to explore the emotive potential of color and form.

By including Phenomena White Chalice in its fair presentation, Sponder Gallery highlights an artist whose contributions to modern art remain pivotal, securing Jenkins’ place within the broader historical and critical discourse of postwar abstraction. His work’s presence in this setting reaffirms the ongoing relevance of Abstract Expressionism while simultaneously offering collectors and scholars a chance to engage with a significant moment in art history; one where paint, guided by both chance and intention, becomes a conduit for profound aesthetic and philosophical exploration.

by Gabriel Diego Delgado

For more information on this painting, please visit:

https://www.spondergallery.com/artist/Paul_Jenkins/works/4676