Philip Guston moved through a number of painting styles before reaching neo-expressionism. The 1930s saw him working as a muralist with the WPA. In the 50s he embraced Abstract Expressionism, an approach he rejected in the 60s, when he began to create the cartoonlike imagery—implacable and haunting—that stunned the world. With his new figurative style came a shift into sinister territory: hooded figures, disembodied limbs, cities made of old shoes and lone light bulbs. This important show—organized by four major musems—is the first Guston retrospective in almost 20 years. Seventy-three paintings and 27 drawings are on view. —E.C.

Philip Guston, The Ladder, 1978.
Philip Guston Now
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Museum of Fine Arts / Houston / Art
Museum of Fine Arts / Houston / Art
Photo: © Estate of Philip Guston/courtesy of Hauser & Wirth
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