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flatness of the color each contains. Another  interesting thing is the collage-like quality these paintings possess (two of which are collage); again due to the overlapping and interlocking of the shapes.

Esteban Vicente top: Untitled (Red, Black & Brown), 1961, Collage on paper, 16 X 25 in; bottom: Untitled (Red, Brown & Gray), 1962, Collage on paper, 25.5 X 38 in

As to subject matter the nearest thing this body of work conjures up is a very generic sense of landscape.  But the reference so barely registers as to not matter. On the other hand, these paintings compare well to Rothko�s work just prior to

Esteban Vicente Installation View

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Esteban Vicente Number 3, 1961 (detail)

launching his signature style, which did more  directly suggest landscape. In these paintings Vincente employs similar forms and application of color but renders imagery that is more completely abstract then what Rothko was doing in the 40s.  From all this one might summarize Vicente�s content as: Form is form, color is color, texture is texture and painting is some varying combination and expression of all three.  It might also be added to this rather formal take that the end result is magnificently beautiful and an absolute treat for the eyes.  You can�t ask for much more then that from painting.

Esteban Vicente Number 3, 1960, oil on canvas, 60 X 48.25 in

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