Art: Nothing Definite

"Emotions," says Abstractionist Josef Albers, "are usually prejudices. When peo ple say my paintings have no emotion I say, O.K., precision can make you crazy too. A locomotive is without emotion — so is a mathematics book — but they are exciting to me."

This week Albers' emotionless abstractions went on exhibition in two Manhattan galleries at once. They were composed mostly of straight lines and right angles, thinly painted in pure colors. Coming at a time when many abstractionists content themselves with syrup, tar, mustard, muscle and a soup spoon, Albers' reticent craftsmanship was a welcome change of diet—thin, but...