Eye of the Sixties: Richard Bellamy and the Transformation of Modern Art

Eye of the Sixties: Richard Bellamy and the Transformation of Modern Art
by Judith E. Stein

Discussion Questions

1.    How was Dick influenced by Hans Hoffman? (p. 37)

2.    On page 58, Felix Pasilis is quoted as saying, “How artists deal with the economic challenges inherent in an unforgiving society is surely the most interesting aspect of art history.” How do you think this position is reflected in the book?

3.    What were Dick’s beliefs and positioning on money and the art world?

4.    How would you describe the Sculls’ collecting habits? In what ways did they choose to support artists?

5.    On page 143, the author delves into Dick’s ability to find artists on the cusp of greatness. According to Stein, how did he manage to do this?

6.     On page 151, Susan Sontag is quoted as saying, “One can only cherish [a Happening] as one cherishes a firecracker going off dangerously close to one’s face.” What did she mean by this statement? 

7.    List some artists whose careers were launched by the Green Gallery. Why did Dick gravitate toward their work? Why did collectors follow suit?

8.    On page 204, the author discusses the question, “But is it art?” as it related to much of the work shown by the Green Gallery in the Sixties. How would you answer this question in relation to the artists in Dick’s stable?

9.    How has the art world, and specifically, the gallery world changed since Dick’s era?