'Save the Last Dance for Me' Repetition of Clischés

Mary Heilmann: Save the Last Dance for Me / Terry R. Myers.

Save the Last Dance for Me is the title of a painting made by Mary
Heilmann in 1979 during a juncture of several critical points in
contemporary art, as well as in her own career and life. In a compelling
account, Terry R. Myers describes, interprets, and finds contexts for the
painting from its creation to its relevance and inclusion in contemporary
exhibitions. Within the stated framework of the series, One Work, Myers
focuses on this one work with the insistence that a single work can "affect
our understanding of art in general." His insistence is convincing,
intellectually satisfying, and a pleasure to read.
He begins by describing the deceptively simple painting without
considering the somewhat ambiguous title. He describes the painted pink
and black, a drip, the question of layers and surface, plus an exploration
into the deviance of the geometric shapes themselves. With thoughtful
commentary, each aspect is considered in light of the traditions of the
time. Once being thoroughly familiar with the descriptive elements of the
painting, Myers introduces the title for discussion and begins to build a
context for it in Mary Heilmann's work. The context can include biographical details, many relevant and
irreverent musical references, and quite a few 'isms,' with Save the Last Dance For Me potentially an early
example of postmodernism. He quotes the artist, describing her process using a combination of "rigour
and being cute." The title of the painting, its colors and amusingly, even the headings for sections of the
book, are permeated by the influence of music. The author includes the one negative review of Mary
Heilmann’s show at Holly Solomon Gallery where Save the Last Dance for Me was first displayed, turning
the negative account into an interesting discussion of the perception of Heilmann’s work at that time and
highlighting the reasons for her continued support and influence.
This short book has many high quality, color illustrations of Mary Heilmann's work, installation
views ,and some work of her contemporaneous peers. The author includes parts of interviews and
references to the painter's autobiography, as well as quotes and excerpts from a wide range of sources.