Los Angeles has long been a powerhouse in the world of contemporary art. With its eclectic mix of galleries, museums, and avant-garde spaces, the city has nurtured some of the most influential contemporary artists. One name making waves in the abstract art scene is Robert Standish. His latest exhibition, Robert Standish: New Terrains, at Mash Gallery, cements his place among today’s most compelling visual artists.

Standish’s work embodies the evolution of abstraction, drawing comparisons to Jackson Pollock’s dynamism, Mark Rothko’s emotive color fields, and Sam Francis’ energetic compositions. As LA’s art world continues to evolve, Standish’s presence signals an exciting shift—one that blends historical abstraction with modern interpretations to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience.

Los Angeles: A Hub for Abstract Art

Los Angeles has steadily risen as a global art capital, rivaling New York, London, and Berlin. With institutions like The Broad, MOCA, and LACMA providing a platform for contemporary artists, and galleries like Mash Gallery fostering experimental and boundary-pushing works, LA offers an ideal setting for abstract artists to thrive.

Mash Gallery, known for championing bold, expressive artists, has become a crucial venue for those challenging artistic norms. By featuring Standish’s work, Mash not only highlights LA’s cutting-edge aesthetic but also reinforces its role in the abstract art renaissance.

Robert Standish & The Abstract Masters: A Legacy Continued

Robert Standish’s transition from photorealism to abstraction echoes the trajectory of some of history’s most celebrated artists. His work resonates with the fluidity of Jackson Pollock, the emotional depth of Mark Rothko, and the spatial expansiveness of Sam Francis. But what sets Standish apart is his ability to merge structure with spontaneity, creating an entirely new visual language.

Where Pollock’s drip paintings revolutionized abstraction by embracing movement, rhythm, and subconscious expression, Standish channels this energy through his intricate layering techniques, allowing colors to interact in unpredictable ways, and evoking organic movement.

Rothko’s work was about immersing the viewer in emotional depth through vast planes of color. Similarly, Standish’s paintings in Robert Standish: New Terrains use bold, jewel-toned palettes to evoke introspection and emotion, creating an atmosphere that extends beyond the canvas.

Francis, a fellow Californian artist, was known for his lyrical use of negative space and color splashes, often resembling cosmic explosions. Standish’s technique mirrors this approach, playing with density and openness, where layers of paint scrape away to reveal underlying dimensions.

Color, Texture, and Layering: The Essence of Immersion

Standish’s work is an invitation to experience abstraction in its most organic form. In Robert Standish: New Terrains, he employs:

• Vibrant, contrasting hues that shift dynamically, much like Rothko’s emotionally charged palettes.
• A layering process that creates depth and texture, reminiscent of Pollock’s raw, gestural technique.
• A cosmic, almost topographical aesthetic that suggests natural rhythms and fractals, akin to Sam Francis’ fluid compositions.

This interplay of color, texture, and structure transforms the paintings into living landscapes, where viewers are encouraged to lose themselves in the movement and energy of each piece.

How Robert Standish’s Work Connects to the Human Mind

Robert Standish’s background in psychology plays a crucial role in shaping his artistic process. With a degree in psychology from Antioch University, Standish has always been fascinated by the subconscious, perception, and emotional resonance—elements central to his work.

His paintings create a bridge between the conscious and subconscious mind, evoking a sense of movement, energy, and emotion that taps into deeper psychological responses. Standish’s layering technique and use of color function much like Rorschach inkblots, inviting viewers to project their own emotions and interpretations onto the canvas.

• Fractal & Organic Patterns: His works often resemble natural structures—waves, neurons, and topographic landscapes—reflecting psychological concepts of pattern recognition and cognitive processing.
• Emotional Immersion: The color choices in Robert Standish: New Terrains trigger specific psychological reactions, much like Rothko’s use of color to induce introspection.
• The Flow State in Art: Standish embraces a “wet-on-wet” technique, allowing forms to evolve spontaneously, echoing Carl Jung’s theories on the unconscious mind manifesting through creativity.

His ability to blend scientific inquiry with artistic intuition makes his work not just visually compelling, but psychologically immersive—drawing the viewer into a meditative, introspective experience.

Why Robert Standish’s Paintings Are Worth Investing In

As the contemporary art market continues to grow, collectors are seeking works that not only hold aesthetic and emotional value but also appreciate in financial worth. Robert Standish’s trajectory suggests he is an artist to watch, with increasing recognition and rising market demand.

His Rise in the Art Market

• Standish’s works are held in prestigious collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, JPMorgan Chase, and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation.
• He has exhibited in major galleries and museums, from the Carnegie Art Museum to the Laguna Art Museum, increasing the legitimacy and desirability of his work.
• His collaboration with galleries like Mash Gallery and Martin Lawrence Galleries has expanded his market reach, making his pieces highly sought-after.

What Makes His Work a Smart Investment?

• Unique Artistic Evolution: His shift from photorealism to abstraction adds depth to his artistic journey, making his works historically significant.
• Limited Supply of Early Abstractions: As one of the first major exhibitions featuring his latest abstract work, Robert Standish: New Terrains represents a key moment in his career—early collectors of this phase may see increased value over time.
• Growing Collector Interest: Standish’s works have been purchased by major institutions and high-profile collectors, signaling confidence in his long-term impact.

With the demand for contemporary abstraction at an all-time high, investing in Standish’s work now could provide both aesthetic enjoyment and financial gain in the years to come.

The Future of Abstract Art

With galleries like Mash Gallery championing artists like Standish, Los Angeles continues to redefine what contemporary abstraction looks like in the 21st century. His work serves as both a nod to the legends who came before him and a glimpse into the future of abstract expressionism.

With digital media consuming and comprising so much visual culture, artists like Standish prove that the tactile, emotive power of paint on canvas remains irreplaceable. By pushing the boundaries of abstraction, his work keeps LA’s art scene alive, dynamic, and on the cutting edge of creative exploration.