Paul Reed’s Legacy Celebrated in Major Retrospective at Oklahoma City Museum of Art

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) is set to unveil its latest major exhibition, Paul Reed: A Retrospective, on Thursday, November 20, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the life and work of one of America’s most influential post-war painters. The event will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and will include a curator-led tour, light refreshments, and an opportunity to explore the artist’s defining contributions to American abstract art.

Curated by Dr. David Gariff

The exhibition, curated by Dr. David Gariff, provides a sweeping overview of Reed’s creative journey—from his formative years as a graphic designer to his emergence as a leading figure in the Washington Color School and his later artistic reinventions. Organised by OKCMOA, the retrospective underscores Reed’s lasting impact on American modernism and his pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of mid-20th-century abstraction.

A Life in Colour and Form

Born in Washington, D.C. in 1919, Paul Reed was part of a generation of artists who redefined colour and form in post-war American painting. Alongside contemporaries such as Gene Davis, Thomas Downing, Morris Louis, Howard Mehring, and Kenneth Noland, Reed helped establish what became known as the Washington Color School—a movement that celebrated pure colour, clarity of composition, and the expressive potential of paint itself.

The exhibition traces Reed’s progression from early experiments in design and abstraction to the bold, meticulously structured canvases that earned him national recognition. His work, known for its vibrant palette and geometric precision, exemplifies the intellectual rigour and emotional restraint characteristic of Washington Color School aesthetics.

Bridging Generations of Artists

Reed’s art represents a vital bridge between generations. As the OKCMOA notes, his work connected the first wave of Washington Color School artists with the second generation of D.C. colourists, including Alma Thomas, Anne Truitt, Sam Gilliam, Kenneth Young, and Lou Stovall. His ability to evolve stylistically while remaining faithful to the principles of colour-field painting made him both a mentor and a link between artistic eras.

“Paul Reed: A Retrospective presents a survey of Paul Reed’s art and accomplishments from his early days as a graphic designer to his success as one of the founding artists of the Washington Color School to the aesthetic reinventions of his later work,” the museum said in a statement announcing the event. “Reed was a gifted artist, teacher, and a major contributor to the golden age of painting in the nation’s capital during the 1960s.”

Exhibition Details and Highlights

Visitors attending the preview event will be welcomed with coffee and donuts in Founders’ Hall, located just east of the museum lobby. At 9 a.m., Dr. Gariff will lead an exclusive guided tour of the exhibition, offering insights into Reed’s techniques, influences, and the enduring significance of his work within the broader context of American abstraction.

Among the highlights on display is Paul Reed, No. 3A (1965), an acrylic on canvas measuring 44 by 57¼ inches. The painting, part of OKCMOA’s permanent collection, was gifted by the Paul and Esther Reed Trust in 2018 and exemplifies the artist’s mastery of colour and structure.

A Timely Reappraisal of a Modern Master

The retrospective coincides with a resurgence of interest in mid-century American abstraction, particularly the Washington Color School. Reed’s work, long celebrated for its formal innovation and disciplined use of hue, continues to resonate with contemporary audiences and collectors. The exhibition is expected to reaffirm his position as a vital figure in the canon of American modern art.

Paul Reed: A Retrospective not only celebrates the achievements of a remarkable artist but also pays tribute to a period of creative dynamism that helped define the visual culture of the 1960s. For Oklahoma City, it represents a significant cultural event that places the museum firmly within the national conversation on post-war art.

Event Information

The event will take place at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Attendance is open to the public, with RSVPs directed to Amber Thompson, Communications Manager, at [email protected].

For updates and further details, the museum encourages the public to follow @OKCMOA on social media.