Robert Motherwell (1915-1991) is one of the essential American abstract painters that radically defined post-war abstraction in New York City.
Today, his work appears in museum collections around the world and is instantly recognizable for its boldness and black forms. .
In addition to his impressive paintings, Motherwell is also revered as one of the most innovative and prolific printmakers of the 20th century. He was always searching for new techniques, whether at his own printmaking atelier, or collaborating with others, to expand his ideas and express his aesthetic.
"America-La France Variations III" was created at Tyler Graphics in 1984 along with the .
In this dynamic print, Motherwell revels in the importance and beauty of collage in his approach to printmaking. Substituting heavy brush strokes for layers of ripped paper contrasted with more lines of color that appear to be created with a thick oil crayon, Motherwell creates an enigmatic and uplifting image through fragmentation and juxtaposition.
Many art fans think of Motherwell and his heavy calligraphic/spilled ink forms of black. During the 1970's and especially the 80's, Motherwell embraced a lighter palette. The "America-France Variations" are emblematic of his light touch and interest in brighter hues, such as marigold yellow, pale sand and sky blue - well represented here. This particular print from the series has the lightest background and the most use of the hand-made sky blue torn paper.
Like the best of Motherwell's prints this work was created with heavily textured handmade papers. The sky blue paper elements are similarly hand-made at Tyler Graphics Ltd. and collaged onto the sheet with naturally deckled edges.
Caviar20 is excited to be offering this uplifting and bold Robert Motherwell from the America-La France Variations series.
"America-La France Variations III" was subsequently printed and published by Tyler Graphics Ltd. as a poster for the 1987 exhibition Robert Motherwell: The Collaged Image at Hurlbutt Gallery of the Greenwich Library, Connecticut.
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"America-La France Variations III"
USA, 1984
Lithograph and collage
Signed by the artist, lower left
From an edition of 70
45.75"H 29"W (work)
Very good condition.
Published by Tyler Graphics Ltd.
Literature: "Robert Motherwell: The Complete Prints 1940-1991 Catalogue Raisonne" pg. 267.
Note: this work is sold unframed. Available example is a different number from the edition.
Provenance: Kasmin (NYC) / The Dedalus Foundation
