The University of New Mexico Art Museum has partnered with Albuquerque-based artist Heidi Pollard for an engaging project that explores the lasting influence of Abstract Expressionist artist Adolph Gottlieb on contemporary art. An opening reception and artist talk is Thursday, March 23, 5:30 p.m. at the UNM Art Museum located in the Center of the Arts.

In direct response to the current exhibition on display, A Painter’s Hand: The Monotypes of Adolph Gottlieb, Pollard has created a new body of work that examines how his legacy continues to impact artists today.

Heidi Pollard: Call and Response
Heidi Pollard: Call and Response

Adolph Gottlieb (1903 – 1974) is best-known as one of the original Abstract Expressionist artists. He was one of the leading artists of his generation who were responsible for forging a new identity for American art in the middle of the 20th Century.

Heidi Pollard: Call and Response is the first in a series of new initiatives, in which the Museum strives to make meaningful connections between our collection, exhibitions and contemporary art practice. Pollard’s installation will incorporate original monotypes, made in collaboration with Brooke Steiger of UNM Printmaking, as well as hand-cut and painted objects that reference the visual language and energy of Gottlieb’s work on view at the Museum.

Pollard is a painter and sculptor, born in Detroit, Mich., and currently based in Albuquerque, N.M. She has exhibited her work widely throughout the United States and has received awards from the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation, the Joan Mitchell Foundation, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation and the New Jersey Council on the Arts.