“Out From Tigelman’s Island” Painting by Steven Barbash, 1968 Oil on Canvas

Painted in 1968, “Out From Tigelman’s Island” is a captivating abstract landscape by American artist Steven Barbash. Created during a formative period in the artist’s career, the painting exemplifies Barbash’s remarkable ability to evoke atmosphere and emotion through expressive color, texture, and gesture rather than literal representation. Barbash, who earned his MFA from Yale University and became known as both a painter and printmaker, developed a body of work deeply inspired by the natural world and the ever-changing qualities of light and landscape.

Rendered in rich layers of oil paint, the composition is dominated by luminous fields of magenta, violet, crimson, and deep ultramarine. Loose, energetic brushwork creates an immersive sense of movement, suggesting reflections across water, distant horizons, or the fleeting atmosphere of dusk. Rather than depicting a specific place with precision, Barbash invites the viewer to experience the landscape emotionally, allowing color and texture to become the primary subjects.

The title, “Out From Tigelman’s Island,” hints at a personal or geographic inspiration while remaining intentionally poetic, encouraging individual interpretation. Its sophisticated palette and painterly abstraction make the work equally at home in both traditional collections and contemporary interiors.

The verso retains its original Carl Siembab Gallery label from Boston, identifying the artist, medium, and title, adding a layer of provenance that collectors appreciate.

Whether displayed as the focal point of a living room, study, or gallery wall, this exceptional 1968 painting offers the timeless appeal of American Abstract Expressionism and Color Field-inspired painting while showcasing Steven Barbash’s distinctive artistic voice.

Features
Artist: Steven Barbash (American, 1933–2016)
Title: Out From Tigelman’s Island
Date: 1968
Medium: Oil on canvas
Original Carl Siembab Gallery label affixed to the reverse
Richly layered abstract landscape composition
Exceptional color palette featuring deep blues, violets, magentas, and crimson hues
An expressive work that bridges Abstract Expressionism and lyrical landscape painting
A striking statement piece for modern, contemporary, or mid-century interiors
Dimensions:
This work represents an opportunity to acquire an early painting by an accomplished American artist whose works are represented in museum collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Cornell University’s Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art.