Squares

Squares is a bridge between Mondrian and the Hard-edge abstraction movement. Clearly, this is a very early work because the artist has not yet found his mature style. The flat squares of uneven proportion, are in a formal but off-axis vertical /horizontal grid structure. Perhaps it's the artists take on a drunk Mondrian where the squares stumble to align themselves. Each square shape is different in shape and color and with visible brushstrokes and light impasto. Look carefully at the gray squares. They all have a slightly different hue. The squares are all unique individuals and not a repetition To Goodnough this was his departure from his influencer.
Squares show the influence of his teachers including Hans Hofman, but with a smaller rectilinear vocabulary.
Goodnough was studied with Hans Hofman and his very early work was influenced by Mondrian.
However, Goodnough took it a step further. What makes "Squares" special in the artist oeuvre is that this is the only example we could find of a work like this. Rarity is an important factor in pricing art.
Step Sister of Robert Goodnough. Goodnough gave it to her. An early example of geometric abstraction by one of the last of the original generation of the New York School. It was done at the same time the Pollack, Kline, Still and Rothko were doing their groundbreaking work. Robert Goodnough has fallen in the cracks of art history and to some extent has been passed over. He participated in the Ninth Street Show. Along with the Armory Show, it's arguably one of the seminal moments in American art. Nonetheless, this is quite an important painting in the history of abstract expressionism. Work has not been cleaned and is in the original pieced-together hand made frame that is nailed into the stretchers. We acquired the work from Goodnough's sister in law from upstate New York
Hand-signed by artist, sticker label, Signed lightly in pencil lower right. Inscribed, Titled on verso -