The works in the Ackland Art Museum's collection were created during the past thirty years and represent several important directions within geometric abstract art. The variety of styles and approaches that were seen in this exhibition reflected the individuality of the artists and the different issues they address.
During the 1960s, geometric abstraction became a powerful alternative for artists reacting against the increasing commercialization of art. These artists rejected the illusionism of Pop Art, which drew its imagery from the world of advertising and consumer culture.
There were precedents for these contemporary developments in earlier modern art movements. Cubism and Constructivism were two important influences. Josef Albers, whose art emerged from these traditions, introduced a generation of American artists to the language of geometric abstraction. The style's continued evolution is assured by the many artists who innovatively interpret geometry to define the unique psychological and cultural currents of their time.