Black Concentric, 2020

J. Steven Manolis (b.1948-) Black Concentric, 2020 Acrylic and Latex Enamel on canvas 30 x 30 inches Manolis' painting hero, and Father of Abstract Expressionism, Wassily Kandinsky was a concentric painter. He introduced the open loop, which to him symbolized both the universe and the human soul.  Manolis states, "Concentrics also have a long human history symbolizing positive spirituality which enormously appeals to me." Additionally, Manolis ascribes these other meanings to concentric circles:  "1) Social Focus and 2) elimination of discrimination of all types- racial, religious, gender, sexual, cultural and and all other stereotypes. When you consider that perhaps as many as 90% of all human killings that occur on earth come about from the hate related to discrimination."  Kenneth Noland is considered the premier American concentric painter. Interestingly, he utilized stencils and spray paint. Alternatively Manolis hand draws (with a compass) and hand paint his concentric circles.