Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered and influential abstract painters of the 20th century.
She was married to fellow painter from 1958-1971. During this period both artists produced some of their best works. They also immersed themselves in experimental printmaking. Frankenthaler worked with lithography, etchings, woodcuts and screenprints. Both artists would continue to experiment with printmaking for the rest of their lives, and it became an essential component of their artistic practices.
If we consider Frankenthaler's work as a printmaker as a whole, her success in this realm can be attributed to two frequent characteristics; her restraint and color choice. Frankenthaler's prints are frequently less gestural than her paintings, realized with a "lighter hand" with palettes more cohesive or gentle. Frankenthaler allows shapes or wisps of color to be the dominant elements.
"Reflexions XI,” from the Reflexions Series, evokes the school of painting (Color Field) she established, yet with a decidedly light touch. A mysterious mauve gray form, that evokes a territory on a map or a phantom, is contrasted with delicate contrasts of jade green and red.
While the work is unquestionably abstract, it also manifests the sensuality and the tension evocative of her best works.
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USA, 1995
Lithograph on wove paper
Signed, dated and numbered in pencil by the artist
From an edition of 30
19.7"H 15"W (sheet)
Published by Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Mount Kisco, New York
Very good condition