Kenneth Noland (1924 – 2010) is renowned for his contribution to American abstraction. He is also one of the key artists of color-field painting. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Noland worked with printmaking for a handful of years.
Noland's work, regardless of medium, is characterized by geometric abstraction and a very broad palette, ranging from bold, saturated colors to pale phantom ones. His most iconic works feature re-occurring forms; most notably concentric circles, patterned stripes or bands, grids, and diamonds.
In 1967 Noland began a series of horizontal striped paintings, foregoing his previous asymmetrical, circular, and irregularly shaped canvases. Conventional-shaped or positioned canvases were chosen to emphasize color interaction as the focus.
'Bands' is a striking example of Noland's printmaking. Unlike his contemporaries who made editions in a wide range of sizes, Noland almost exclusively produced monotypes (or unique prints).
This evocative work is composed of alternating bands of pastel colors with paper pulp exposed between the bands. Here, Noland challenges the strict geometric lines that defined his minimalist 60's band compositions, overwhelming the structure with color shifts and rugged deckled edges. The Miami-esque pastel palette appears sponged onto the tiers with intentional distressing and flecks of darker/contrasting colors overtop for added texture. Shades of mauve, lavender, peach, sea-foam green, and turquoise and baby blues shift into and out of each other within the vertically layered bands.
Noland's striped bands are some of the most iconic and desirable works within the 20th century art canon. This piece is a fine example of one of Noland's creations, and a demonstration of his ingenuity and unique style as a printmaker.
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"Untitled (Bands)"
USA, 1981
Monoprint on handmade paper with deckled edges
Signed on verso by the artist.
25"H 30"W (artwork)
Please note this work is sold unframed.
Very good condition.
