In the 1970s, Sam Francis continued to expand and evolve his artistic vision, making significant contributions to the fields of Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting. This decade stands out as a particularly innovative period in his career, characterized by dynamic experimentation with color, form, and space. Francis's work during this time was influenced by his experiences in Jungian analysis, his second stay in Tokyo, and his deepening engagement with the concept of "ma," the Japanese aesthetic of negative space (Artnet News) (Jonathan Novak Contemporary Art). The early part of the decade saw Francis creating the "Fresh Air paintings," marked by their use of water, tinted gesso, brushes, and rollers to establish an underlying grid on his canvases, over which he would layer paint. This approach resulted in compositions of overlapping color lines that broke down into competing geometric shapes. These works, reflective of Francis's psychological explorations, exhibited a more structured engagement with space, contrasting with the expansive fields of color of his earlier pieces (Artnet News). Francis's profound connection with Japan significantly shaped his artistic output during the 1970s. His incorporation of "ma" into his work, a reflection of his study of Zen and his life in Tokyo, led to a more pronounced use of negative space, adding a serene, poetic dimension to his compositions. This period saw Francis moving towards a looser, more spontaneous approach, with larger areas of untouched canvas playing a critical role in the overall effect of his paintings (Artnet News) (Jonathan Novak Contemporary Art). His work from this era also displayed an optimistic tone, with vibrant colors and lively forms that seemed to dance across the canvas. Yet, Francis did not shy away from the profound or existential. His paintings invited viewers to engage with the canvas in a deeply personal way, reflecting his own philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence and the role of the artist (Jonathan Novak Contemporary Art) (Sam Francis Foundation). By the end of the decade, Francis's exploration had broadened to include an interest in Jungian psychology, Zen Buddhism, and alchemical themes, which informed a series of works dealing with dreams, death, and rebirth. These themes manifested in canvases that were at once reflective of his inner psychological landscape and indicative of his ongoing fascination with the material and spiritual worlds (Art & Antiques Magazine). Throughout the 1970s, Sam Francis remained a figure of considerable influence and creativity, his work a testament to a life lived in constant pursuit of artistic evolution and spiritual depth. His legacy is marked not only by his contributions to abstract art but also by his role as a cultural bridge between East and West, his paintings a vibrant dialogue between the traditions and aesthetics of different worlds (Sothebys.com).
