On May 17th, marks two decades since the passing of my friend Piero Dorazio (1927–2005), an artist whose vision of color, structure, and light helped shape postwar abstraction.

In the 1950s and 60s, Piero developed a distinct abstract language of luminous color fields, structured grids, and tensile textures. His watercolors from this period tether vibrant bands of color into compositions that feel both architectural and atmospheric. Piero painted with an acute sense of beauty and color. I always found it amazing that he could be so precise and yet still retain spontaneity in his brushstrokes.

I met Piero in 1969, at his show at the Marlborough-Gerson Gallery in New York. I was immediately attracted to his work as well as his personality, full of charisma, savoir vivre, and passion. I would say that he was a kind of Renaissance man. His work remains as fresh and resonant as ever—a testament to his enduring impact as an artist.

Piero was one of my closest friends. I deeply cherished our friendship, and I am grateful for his work.