Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

Sol LeWitt
"Curvy Brushstrokes" Large etching with aquatint, framed

1997

About the Item

This artwork titled "Curvy Brushstrokes" 1997 is a colors etching with sugar lift aquatint on Somerset textured white paper by renown artist Sol (Solomon) LeWitt, 1928-2007. It is hand signed and numbered 1/15 in pencil by the artist. The image size is 29.90 x 39.90 inches, paper sheet size is 40.5 x 49.80 inches, framed size is 43.75 x 53 inches. Published by Crown Point Press, San Francisco, printed by Dana Sywulak, assisted by Dena Schneleit, Mary Andrews and Case Hudson at Crown Press, San Francisco. Referenced and pictured in the artist's catalogue raisonne, plate #1997.07. Custom framed in a wooden black frame, floated on white backing, with white spacer. It is in excellent condition, the frame has minor very small restorations, practically invisible. About the artist: Known for his modular white cube sculpture, geometric drawings and abstract design paintings including many wall paintings that took teams of people to execute, Sol LeWitt was a major promoter of dominant post World War II Conceptualism and Minimalism. He used geometric shapes and lines to challenge his viewers, and sometimes they seemed logical and other times they seemed to have no basis in either reason or reality. Although he was highly active in New York City, he shied away from any semblance of art celebrity life style and spent much of his later life working from his home and studio in Chester, Connecticut. At the beginning of his career when he was gaining notoriety, conservative critics panned him fiercely. Seeking to get away from the frenetic activity of the New York art scene, he went to Spoleto, Italy in the 1980s and remained there for many years. The influence of Italian culture seemed to lend a new opulent quality to his work, and also the launching of his wall paintings, which he called drawings even though they were done with acrylic paint. "He began making colored flagstone patterns, spiky sculptural blobs and ribbons of color, like streamers on New Year's Eve, often as enormous decorations for buildings around the world. It was if he had devised a latter-day kind of Abstract Expressionism . . ." (Kimmelman) Of his personal modesty it was written: "He tried to suppress all interest in him as opposed to his work; he turned down awards and was camera-shy and reluctant to grant interviews. He particularly disliked the prospect of having his photograph in the newspaper." (Kimmelman) Sol LeWitt was born in Hartford, Connecticut to Russian immigrant parents. His father, a doctor, died when Sol was age six, and he and his mother then went to live with an aunt in New Britain, Connecticut. His mother encouraged his art talent, and enrolled him in classes at the Wadsworth Atheneum. LeWitt's subsequent residence in Chester, after he was a well-known artist, was near the Atheneum, and he became a strong supporter of that institution including the securing of a long time loan to it of a highly prestigious private collection of modern art. LeWitt earned a B.F.A. degree from Syracuse University in 1949, and then was drafted in the Korean War. His special assignment was making posters for the Special Services. From 1955 to 1956, he worked as a graphic designer for architect I.M. Pei, who was beginning his career. He also did pasteups for Seventeen magazine. In 1962, he did his first relief sculpture, and from 1964, executed the cubed works for which he is most known. However, he felt adrift as an artist because Abstract Expressionism was waning, and he was unconfident about what he had to offer that was unique. However, a change came about because of his taking a job at the book counter of the Museum of Modern Art where he associated with other young artists who were also working there including future 'big names' such as Dan Flavin, Robert Ryman and Robert Mangold. LeWitt became intrigued by Minimalism and by the engineering aspects of Russian Constructivism and of Eadweard Muybridge's experiments with motion photography. From these exposures, "he decided to reduce art to its essentials, 'to recreate art, to start from square one' beginning literally with squares and cubes." (Kimmelman) In the next years, he became fascinated with the impermanence of Conceptualism, which seemed to suit his apparent lack of being impressed with whether or not his own reputation was sustained in the public mind. His goal with conceptual sculpture was to explore in an impersonal way formulas with which structures are created, and to focus on abstract philosophical theories, disassociated from religion and personal emotions. He painted many of his sculptures white to direct the viewer to these underlying thought processes rather than to the piece itself or to himself. In other words the "concept" was the most important part of the work, and planning it was more important than execution. He was a great believer in simplicity. In 1967, he said: "Most ideas that are successful are ludicrously simple. Successful ideas generally have the appearance of simplicity because they seem inevitable." Sol LeWitt was also known for his generosity with lesser-known artists. He often gave them credit as 'collaborators' so that their names appeared with his, and he would go out of his way to be helpful including showing with them in small galleries and supporting publications about their work. He died April 8, 2007 in Chester, Connecticut from cancer. His wife, Carol, and two daughters survived him. The work of Sol LeWitt is held in major museums worldwide.
  • Creator:
    Sol LeWitt (1928 - 2007, American)
  • Creation Year:
    1997
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 43.75 in (111.13 cm)Width: 53 in (134.62 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    San Francisco, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: lew/cur/bru/011stDibs: LU666313862342

More From This Seller

View All
Abstract Composition II
By Johnny Friedlaender
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Abstract Composition II." c.1970 in an original color etching and aquatint on Arches paper by noted Polish artist Johnny Friedlaender, 191...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Abstract Composition, large etching with aquatint
By Johnny Friedlaender
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Abstract Composition." c.1970 in an original color etching and aquatint on Arches paper by noted Polish artist Johnny Friedlaender, 1912-1992. It is hand signed and num...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Aquatint, Etching

Landscape XI
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Landscape XI' c.2000 is an original color etching with aquatint by Hungarian/American artist Theodora Varnay Jones, b.1942. It is hand signed, titled and numbered 18/50 in pencil by the artist. The image (plate mark) size is 14.75 x 17.65 inches, framed size is 28.25 x 30 inches. Custom framed in a silver and brown patina frame, with white matting. It is in excellent condition. About the artist: Theodora Varnay Jones, printmaker, sculptor, installation and digital artist, lecturer, and teacher, was born in Budapest, Hungary on 26 February 1942. She graduated from the Hámán Kató Leány Gimnázium before beginning her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, Budapest where she earned her B.F.A. and, in 1971, her M.F.A. She moved to the United States in the early 1970s and married Monty Jones on 9 September 1972 in Reno. On 27 September 1984 she became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Her creativity seems unlimited and her work has been featured in exhibitions too numerous to enumerate. She is a member of the KALA Art Gallery in Berkeley, California and teaches classes there. SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2018 "Dialectics:angles of cognition, in the orbit of photography" Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2016 "Fugue" Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2015 "Resonances" Stanford Art Spaces, Stanford University, CA "Appearances" Lena & Roselli Galeria, Budapest, Hungary 2011 "Theodora Varnay Jones: Prints & Drawings: Selected Archival Work” Baczek Gallery, Berkeley, CA 09/10 "Manifold", (survey) ICA, San Jose, CA 2009 "Reflections", (survey) Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2008 "Translucent Phenomena", Fresno Art Museum, Fresno, CA 2007 "Structures" Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2005 "Theodora Varnay Jones", Galerie Reinfeld, Bremen, G e r m a n y "Undercurrents", Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2003 "Theodora Varnay Jones", Gallery Hirawata, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, J a p a n "Theodora Varnay Jones", Gallery Naufu, Gifu City, J a p a n "Dialectica", Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2001 "Transparentia", Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA " Theodora Varnay Jones", Galerie Reinfeld, Bremen, G e r m a n y "Mixed Media Works", Shasta College Art Gallery, Redding, CA SFMOMA Artists Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2000 " Microcosmos" invited to represent the US, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Bad Segeberg, G e r m a n y "Microcosmos" Kieler Kloster, Kiel, G e r m a n y 1999 Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 1998 Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 1997 Plaza Gallery, Tokyo, J a p a n 1996 "Theodora Varnay Jones" (survey), Vasarely Museum, Budapest, H u n g a r y 1995 Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA "Theodora Varnay Jones", Shirakawa Gallery, Kyoto, J a p a n 1994 Collectors Gallery, The Oakland Museum, CA 1993 Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 1992 "Theodora Varnay Jones", Concourse Gallery, Bank of America World Headquarters, San Francisco, CA "Theodora Varnay Jones", Shirakawa Gallery, Kyoto, J a p a n "Theodora Varnay Jones", Chicashige Gallery, Okayama, J a p a n 1991 Collectors Gallery, The Oakland Museum, CA 1990 Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA "Theodora Varnay Jones", Art Forum Yanaka, Tokyo, J a p a n Tamura Gallery, Tokyo, J a p a n Gallery 88, Sendai, J a p a n Heian Gallery, Kyoto, J a p a n 1989 Richard Hanson Fine Arts, Fresno, CA 1988 Don Soker Gallery, San Francisco, CA 1985 "Theodora Varnay Jones", Taller Galleria Fort, Cadaques, S p a i n 1984 Rorick Gallery, San Francisco, CA 1978 "Theodora Varnay Jones", Richmond Art Center, Richmond, CA TWO AND THRE PERSON EXHIBITIONS 2010 "Interdepencia/Interdependence; Theodora Varnay Jones, Francesca Pastine and Marta Sanchez-Vasquez" Consulate General of Mexico, San Francisco, CA 2007 "Theodora Varnay Jones and Tom Bills", Pacifica Center for the Arts, CA 2004 "Between"; Theodora Varnay Jones and Dee Hibbert-Jones Memorial Union Art Gallery, UC Davis 2002 "Theodora Varnay Jones and Lee Imonen", Campbell Hall Gallery, Western Oregon University 2001 "Traces" ; Theodora Varnay Jones, Christel Dillbohner and Mary Ijichi, Palo Alto Art Center, CA 2000 "Theodora Varnay Jones and Hoh Yin Ping", Kassenarztliche Vereinigung, Bremen, G e r m a n y 1988 "Theodora Varnay Jones and Kazuko Watanabe", Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, CA 1985 "From a Different Perspective"; Theodora Varnay Jones and Peter Baczek, The Art Corridor, Menlo Park, CA 1981 "Theodora Varnay Jones and Vicki Ann Scuri", Rorick Gallery, San Francisco, CA SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2021 "50th Anniversary Survey Exhibition" Don Soker Gallery at Carriage House Annex, San Francisco, CA "Art in the Time of Corona" NUMU New Museum Los Gatos, CA 2020 "Echoes of Bauhaus Photography Cast Long Shadows" curated by Hanna Regev, Ruth's Table Gallery, San Francisco, CA 2019 "Hardly Strictly Mini" Bolinas Art Museum, CA "The Artists' Annual" Kala Art Institute Gallery, Berkeley, CA "Annual Members Exhibition" Berkeley Art Center, CA 2018 "Surprise: New Acquisitions" The Janet Turner...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Untitled II
By Johnny Friedlaender
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled II" c.1970 in an original color aquatint on Arches paper by noted Polish artist Johnny Friedlaender, 1912-1992. It is hand signed and numbered 128/135 in penci...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Aquatint

Untitled IV
By Johnny Friedlaender
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled IV" c.1970 in an original color aquatint on Arches paper by noted Polish artist Johnny Friedlaender, 1912-1992. It is hand signed and numbered 128/135 in penci...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Aquatint

Untitled I
By Johnny Friedlaender
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled I" c.1970 in an original color aquatint on Arches paper by noted Polish artist Johnny Friedlaender, 1912-1992. It is hand signed and numbered 128/135 in pencil...
Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Aquatint

You May Also Like

Eau Forte XVIII, 1962, Etching, Limited Edition of 100 by Pierre Soulages -BNF19
By Pierre Soulages
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Pierre Soulages Eau Forte XVIII, 1962 Edition number: 69/100 Etching and aquatint in colors, signed in pencil by the artist. 1 Plate on Velin d'Arches paper Printed by Lacouriere, Pa...
Category

1960s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

20JU3G-2020 (Abstract print)
By Alain Clément
Located in London, GB
20JU3G-2020 (Abstract print) Aquatinte on BFK Rives paper - Unframed. Edition of 19. Image size: 69.3 x 49.6 cm / 27.3 x 19.5 in Paper size: 88 x 67.2 cm / 34.6 x 26.5 in Clément'...
Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Paper, Aquatint

Matiere et Graffiti - Aquatinta etching modern abstract artwork by Antoni Tàpies
By Antoni Tàpies
Located in Hamburg, DE
"Matiére et Graffiti" is an original etching with aquatintin black adn whtie from 1969 by renowned Spanish artist Antoni Tàpies. It is an edition of 75 (67/75) on Guarro handmade pa...
Category

1960s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Color etching & aquatint on Hahnemühle paper, Signed/N ex Deutsche Bank, Framed
By Thomas Nozkowski
Located in New York, NY
Thomas Nozkowski Untitled #1, 2008 Color etching with aquatint on Hahnemühle paper Signed, dated and numbered 5/35 in graphite pencil on the back. Bears original Deutsche Bank collec...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Hot Lake (2nd State), Abstract Pop Art Etching by James Rosenquist
By James Rosenquist
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: James Rosenquist, American (1933 - ) Title: Hot Lake (2nd State) Year: 1978 Medium: Aquatint Etching, Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 78 Size: 23 in. x 40 in. (58.42 c...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Fields I /// Joan Mitchell Large Diptych Etching Aquatint Female Abstract Artist
By Joan Mitchell
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Joan Mitchell (American, 1925-1992) Title: "Fields I" Portfolio: Fields *Signed and numbered by Mitchell in pencil (on second sheet) lower right Year: 1992 Medium: Original E...
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching, Aquatint, Intaglio, Handmade Paper

Recently Viewed

View All