Charles Lutz's Void and Volatility paintings explore the abstraction of value transfer not only within financial markets but also within the art market itself. Using a vernacular rooted in Art Deco design and materials, Lutz captures the volatile nature of both economic systems and the art world. The Void paintings reference the forms of his sculptures for his Fallingwater installation Modern Made Leisure which explored the relationship of commerce and aesthetics. Lutz's geometric compositions, coupled with reflective metallic surfaces, evoke the fluctuating, often speculative dynamics of market value, whether it's stock prices or the ever-shifting worth of artworks. The opulent materials employed in his work mirror the allure and fragility of wealth, highlighting how value in both art and finance is a construct—subject to trends, perceptions, and the unseen forces of demand. In doing so, Lutz's paintings offer a critical reflection on the tension between the promise of investment and the unpredictability of market forces, whether in commodities or collectibles. The Art Deco aesthetic, with its emphasis on luxury and modernity, amplifies this dual commentary, suggesting that both the financial and art markets are governed by a precarious balance of speculation, desire, and volatility.
