Matta-Duchamp

Breton had noted the young painters’ “deep yearning
to transcend the three-dimensional universe. Although
this particular question provided one of the leitmotifs
of cubism in its heroic period, there is no doubt that it
assumed a greatly heightened significance as a result
of Einstein’s introduction into physics of the concept
of the space-time continuum, The need for a suggestive
representation of the four-dimensional universe is particularly
evident in the work of Matta (landscapes with
several horizons)…” 43
Duchamp appreciated his indefatigable and inventive
treatment of space:
“His first and important contribution to Surrealist
painting was the discovery of regions of space hitherto
unexplored in the realm of art. Matta followed
the modern physicists in the search for his new space
which, although depicted on canvas, was not to be mistaken
for another three dimensional illusion. His first
“period” was characterized by the slow rendering of
an exploration, the fight with all the obstacles of oil
painting, a medium lending itself to centuries-old interpretations.
Later he succeeded in introducing in “his
space” descriptive and figurative elements which added
to the completion of his important achievement. Still a
43. Breton “The Most Recent Tendencies…” Surrealism and Painting
p. 149
( 51 )