Meaning: This quote by Howard Hodgkin, an esteemed British painter and printmaker, provides insight into the dynamics of the Modern art world, particularly in the context of the United States. The reference to the "New York School" reflects a significant period in the development of American art, characterized by the emergence of influential artists and movements that had a lasting impact on the global art scene. To fully grasp the meaning of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical and cultural context of the Modern art world, as well as the specific contributions of the New York School.

The Modern art world, which spanned roughly from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, was marked by a radical departure from traditional artistic conventions. Artists sought to challenge established norms and explore new forms of expression, leading to the rise of diverse movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and many others. This period of artistic innovation and experimentation was characterized by a sense of freedom, individualism, and a rejection of the academic standards that had previously defined art.

In the United States, the Modern art movement flourished, particularly in New York City, which emerged as a vibrant hub for artistic creativity and innovation. The "New York School" refers to a group of avant-garde artists who were active in the city during the 1940s and 1950s. This period was defined by a remarkable outpouring of artistic talent, with figures such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, and Barnett Newman, among others, making significant contributions to the development of Abstract Expressionism.

Howard Hodgkin's reference to the New York School as "nearly a coherent thing-for a minute" suggests a fleeting moment of unity or coherence within this dynamic artistic milieu. It acknowledges the complex and often transient nature of artistic movements, as well as the diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives that characterized the New York School. While the artists associated with the New York School shared certain commonalities, such as a commitment to abstraction and a rejection of traditional artistic conventions, they also had distinct individual styles and philosophies that set them apart from one another.

The phrase "a coherent thing-for a minute" hints at the ephemerality of artistic movements and the ever-shifting nature of the art world. It acknowledges the brief moments of cohesion and shared purpose that may arise within a creative community, only to give way to new ideas, divergent paths, and evolving artistic sensibilities. This sentiment reflects the broader reality of the Modern art world, where artistic movements and schools of thought often intersect, diverge, and reconfigure in response to changing cultural, social, and artistic currents.

Overall, Howard Hodgkin's quote offers a nuanced perspective on the New York School and the Modern art world as a whole. It acknowledges the fleeting nature of artistic coherence and the diverse, sometimes conflicting voices that shaped this pivotal period in art history. By reflecting on the transient moments of unity and the ever-evolving nature of artistic movements, Hodgkin's quote invites us to consider the complex dynamics of the Modern art world and the enduring legacy of the New York School within this rich tapestry of artistic innovation and expression.