The German-born American painter, writer, and educator Josef Albers was a pioneer of 20th century modernism, and an innovative practitioner of color theory. With his wife, the textile artist and printmaker Anni Albers (1899–1994), he shaped the development of a generation of American artists and designers through his teaching at the experimental Black Mountain College in North Carolina, and later at Yale University School of Art, where he was the chairman of the department of design from 1950–1958. Albers is widely known for his series of prints and paintings "Homages to the Square," which he created between 1950 and 1975. His influential volume on color theory The Interaction of Color was published in 1963.
Albers was born in Bottrop, Germany, and as a young man he studied art education, earning certification from the Königliche Kunstschule in Berlin in 1915. He entered the legendary Bauhaus school in Weimar in 1920. The Bauhaus had been established by Walter Gropius in 1919, in the immediate aftermath of World War I, with the hope that its innovative curriculum would foster connections between architecture, art, and traditional crafts. In 1923 Albers began teaching the Vorkurs, the introductory class in which new students learned to work with each of the key artists’ materials, along with color theory, composition, construction and design.
Albers was a polymath, and the multidisciplinary environment of the Bauhaus was fertile ground for his artistic ambitions. When the school moved from Weimar to Dessau in 1925, he became a full professor, and in addition to glass and metal, he designed typefaces and furniture. While at the Bauhaus, Albers drew inspiration from the work of his colleagues, the color theorist Johannes Itten, and the painter, photographer, and designer László Moholy-Nagy, with whom he co-taught the Vorkurs.
In 1933, the Bauhaus was shut down due to pressure from the Nazi Party, which perceived the school as being sympathetic to communist intellectuals. As Albers’ wife Anni was Jewish, the couple resolved to leave Germany, and settled in rural North Carolina. The architect Philip Johnson helped make arrangements for Albers to join the faculty of Black Mountain College as the head of the painting program, where he remained until 1949. While at Black Mountain, both Josef and Anni Albers became influential mentors to American artists including Ruth Asawa, Cy Twombly, and Robert Rauschenberg, while working alongside fellow professors Buckminster Fuller, John Cage, Merce Cunningham and William de Kooning.
In 1950, Albers joined the faculty of the Yale University School of Art where he would head the newly established Department of Design until his retirement in 1958. In the 1950s, the Alberses began taking trips to Mexico, where the colors and forms of the local art and architecture inspired both artists.
In 1971, Albers became the first living artist whose work was the subject of a solo retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Though they worked in different mediums, Josef and Anni Albers’ work shares a fascination with color and geometry. Josef Albers’ compositions from the "Homages to the Square" series, such as Formulation: Articulation Portfolio II Folder 28 (B), from 1972, give deceptively simple shapes a novel vibrance as colors play off of one another. The hues in Articulation Portfolio II Folder 28 (B) work in concert to give the flat surface the distinct appearance of a tunnel or other three-dimensional space; while the form on the left appears to move towards the viewer, the form on the right seems to lead directly into the canvas. Similarly, Anni Albers’ designs for textiles use graphic design to lend a sense of dynamism to flat works. Her Study for Unexecuted Wall Hanging (Bauhaus), from 1984 is a Mondrian-like pattern for a weaving in which different colors alternately recede and advance into the foreground, giving the image a sense of complexity and uncanny depth.
Josef Albers also created works of public art, including a delicate, geometric gold leaf mural called Two Structural Constellations for the lobby of the Corning Glass building in New York City in 1959. He designed a work called Two Portals for the lobby of the Time & Life Building in 1961, in which which and brown bands move towards two square panels made of bronze. Walter Gropius invited Albers to create a piece for the Pan Am Building, which he was designing with the architectural firm of Emery Roth & Sons. Albers reworked an existing glass piece from his Bauhaus days called City, and, fittingly, renamed it Manhattan.
Find a collection of authentic Josef Albers art on 1stDibs.
Variant - P1, F30, I1, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Albers Title: Variant from the Formulation: Articulation portfolio Portfolio 1, Folder 30, Image 1 Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint on Mohawk Superfine Bristol paper Edit...
Screen
Perceptual Ambiguity - P2, F26, I1, Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Albers Title: untitled from Formulation: Articulation Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint on Mohawk Superfine Bristol paper Edition: 1000 Paper Size: 15 x 20 inches (38.1 x ...
Screen
Josef Albers Record Cover Art, set of 4 (Josef Albers album art)
By Josef Albers
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Josef Albers Album Art circa late 1950s: A set of 4 vinyl record covers (containing their records) brilliantly designed by Josef Albers between 1959 and 1...
Offset
Variant - P2, F9, I1, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Albers, German (1888 - 1976) Title: Variant, Portfolio 2, Folio 9 , Image 1 from the portfolio Formulation: Articulation Year: 1972 Edition size: 1000 Medium: Screenpri...
Screen
MMA-1, 1970 Screenprint by Josef Albers Abstract Minimalism
By Josef Albers
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Josef Albers MMA-1 1970 Screenprint 24 7/16 x 24 3/8 in. Edition of 100 Initialed in pencil, dated, numbered and titled Accompanied with COA by Gregg Shi...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P1, F23, I2 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
“Homage to the Square - Portfolio 1, Folder 23, Image 2 “ from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 orig...
Screen
Biconjugate - P1, F27, I1, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Albers Portfolio: Formulation: Articulation (Double Portfolio) Title: Portfolio 1, Folder 27, Image 1 Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint on Mohawk Superfine Bristol paper ...
Screen
$1,500
Graphic Tectonic: Seclusion - P1, F33, I1, Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artis...
Screen
Variant - P1, F17, I2, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
"The Interaction of Color Plate XIII-3", Screenprint in Colors, 1973
By Josef Albers
Located in Astoria, NY
Josef Albers (German/American, 1888-1976), "The Interaction of Color Plate XIII-3", Screenprint in Colors on Paper, 1973, published Josef Keller Verlag Starnberg, black frame. Image...
Paper, Screen
Viewing - P2, F3, I1, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P1, F15, I1
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Portfolio 2, Folder 4, Image 2" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 origina...
Screen
Untitled
By Josef Albers
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An abstract screen print by Post War artist Josef Albers. Signed lower right, "Albers '72". Editioned lower left, "LC 134/144".
Screen
Variant - P2, F9, I2, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Albers, German (1888 - 1976) Title: Variant - P2, F9, I2 Year: 1972 Edition size: 1000 Medium: Screenprint on Mohawk Superfine Bristol paper Image: 12 x 13.5 inches Siz...
Screen
$10,000
Josef Albers -Deluxe Hand Signed edition Munich Olympic Silkscreen Op Art 63/200
By Josef Albers
Located in New York, NY
This work is NOT to be confused with a separate poster edition, which is on different quality paper and bears a printed signature. This is the much-coveted HAND SIGNED and numbered edition. Josef Albers Large: Munich 1972 Olympic Games (Danilowitz 213), 1970 Color silkscreen on 250-gram Schöllers Hammer paper. Signed, dated and numbered 63/200 in graphite pencil on the front 40 inches (vertical) × 25 1/2 inches (horizontal) Catalogue Raisonne Reference: Danilowitz, 213 Unframed Pencil signed and numbered 63/200 - silkscreen from the Deluxe, hand signed edition on Schollers hammer paper (aside from the unsigned regular edition of 4000 on wove paper) Printed by Sirocco Screenprints, New Haven. Published by Ives-Sillman, Inc., New Haven, for Edition Olympia 72 By Josef Albers - famous color theorist and longtime influential head of the Yale University Art Department. It features Albers signature ‘cinetic window’, and is an impressive piece of art and sports history. This is one of only 200 hand signed, dated and numbered prints - (NOT to be confused with the open poster edition of the same image on different paper, which, unlike the present work, only bears the artist's printed signature.) The present work was created in 1970 for the 1972 Munich Olympics. In anticipation of hosting the 1972 summer Olympics, Germany sought to create a positive image for itself. As Arnold Schwarzenegger would write in his memoir "Holding the Olympic Games in Munich was meant to symbolize West Germany's transformation and reemergence in to the community of nations as a modern democratic power". The Munich Olympics were billed as "the happy games" - a term that would become tragically ironic. In spite of, or rather because of, the ruthless killing of Israeli athletes by terrorists during the Munich Olympics, prints like this Albers silkscreen have become a powerful symbol of the enduring power of art to bring cultures together and promote peace. This Josef Albers Olympic...
Screen
Variant - P2, F18, I1, Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Josef Albers Record Cover Art, set of 7 (Josef Albers album art)
By Josef Albers
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Josef Albers Album Art complete set of 7 circa late 1950s: A set of 7 vinyl record covers (containing their records) brilliantly designed by Josef Albers between 1958 and 1960. The s...
Offset
"Structural Constellation" - Abstract, Drawing, Geometric, Black, White
By Josef Albers
Located in Köln, DE
Ink drawing "Structural Costellation" on Strathmore paper by Josef Albers from 1958. Josef Albers' works “Structural Constellations” were created from 1949 onwards. They demonstrat...
Ink
Homage to the Square : HG442:a
By Josef Albers
Located in Paris, FR
Silkscreen, 1964 Edition : 70/125 Image dimensions : 28.50 cm. x 28.50 cm. (11.22 in. x 11.22 in.) Paper dimensions : 48.50 cm. x 38.50 cm. (19.09 in. x 15.16 in.) Handsigned by the...
Silk
"The Interaction of Color Plate XXII-2", Screenprint in Colors, 1973
By Josef Albers
Located in Astoria, NY
Josef Albers (German/American, 1888-1976), "The Interaction of Color Plate XXII-2", Screenprint in Colors on Paper, 1973, published Josef Keller Verlag Starnberg, black frame. Image...
Paper, Screen
Interaction of Color
By Josef Albers
Located in New York, NY
Portfolio with complete text folder, bound text volume and 80 color screenprints, loose as issued. The German edition. Published in 1973 by Josef Keller, Starnberg. Original cream p...
Color, Screen
$2,000Sale Price|28% Off
MMA-3 Variant /// Josef Albers Abstract Geometric Screenprint Color Field Theory
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "MMA-3 Variant" Series: MMA (Metropolitan Museum of Art) *Unsigned edition Year...
Screen
Variant - P2, F29, I2, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
Variant - P2, F29, I1, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Albers Title: Variant from the Formulation: Articulation portfolio Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint on Mohawk Superfine Bristol paper Edition Size: 1000 Image Size: 9 x 1...
Screen
"The Interaction of Color Plate XII-1", Screenprint in Colors, 1973
By Josef Albers
Located in Astoria, NY
Josef Albers (German/American, 1888-1976), "The Interaction of Color Plate XII-1", Screenprint in Colors on Paper, 1973, published Josef Keller Verlag Starnberg, black frame. Image:...
Paper, Screen
Bands/Posts - P1, F3, I1, OP Art Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original screenprints that are a definitive survey of the artis...
Screen
"The Interaction of Color Plate XVIII-8", Screenprint in Colors, 1973
By Josef Albers
Located in Astoria, NY
Josef Albers (German/American, 1888-1976), "The Interaction of Color Plate XVIII-8", Screenprint in Colors on Paper, 1973, published by Josef Keller Verlag Starnberg, black frame. ...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P2, F28, I1 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
Variant VII, from 10 variants, 1966 Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Josef Albers (1888-1976, German American ) Variant VII, from Ten Variants 1966 Screenprint on rives BFK paper 17 x 17 in. Edition 131/200 Initialled in p...
Screen
$9,000Sale Price|25% Off
'Interlinear K50' — Mid-Century Geometric Abstraction
By Josef Albers
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Josef Albers, 'Interlinear K50', zinc plate lithograph offset to stone printing, 1962, edition 20, Danilowitz 151. Signed, titled, dated, and numbered '14/20' in pencil. A superb, ri...
Lithograph
$16,000
'Interim' from the series 'Graphic Tectonics' —Mid-Century Geometric Abstraction
By Josef Albers
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Josef Albers, 'Interim' from the series 'Graphic Tectonics', zinc plate lithograph, 1942, edition 30, Danilowitz 101. Signed, titled, dated, and numbered '3/30' in pencil. A fine imp...
Lithograph
Homage to the Square - P2, F19, I2 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - P2, F19, I2 " from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original screenprints tha...
Screen
White Line Squares (Series II), XVI Lithograph by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Josef Albers White Line Squares (Series II), XVI Lithograph 20 3/4 x 20 3/4 in. Edition of 125 Initialed in pencil, dated, num...
Lithograph
Variant II, from 10 variants, 1966 Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Josef Albers Variant II, from 10 Variants 1966 Screenprint on rives BFK paper 17 x 17 in. Edition of 200 Initial in pencil, dated, numbered and titled Accomp...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P2, F8, I2 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - P2, F8, I2" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original screenprints that ...
Screen
$12,000
I-S Va 6, from Six Variants, 1969 Silkscreen by Josef Albers Abstract Minimalism
By Josef Albers
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Josef Albers I-S Va 6, from Six Variants 1969 Silkscreen 28 x 36 in. Edition of 150 Pencil signed, dated, numbered and titled Accompanied with COA by Gregg Sh...
Screen
Biconjugate: Vice Versa - P1, F9, I1, Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Biconjugate: Vice Versa" is from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a d...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P1, F23, I1 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Albers Title: Homage to the Square (double) from the Portfolio: Formulation: Articulation (Double Portfolio) Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint on Mohawk Superfine Bristol ...
Screen
Fenced - P2, F6, I1, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P2, F4, I2 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Po2, F4, I2" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original screenprints that...
Screen
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
Variant III /// Bauhaus Abstract Geometric Minimalism Josef Albers Screenprint
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "Variant III" Portfolio: Ten Variants *Unsigned edition Year: 1967 Medium: Original Screenprint on Rives BFK paper Limited ed...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P2, F19, I1
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Portfolio 2, Folder 19, Image 1" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 origin...
Screen
Embossed Linear Constructions (ELC) 1-C, 1969
By Josef Albers
Located in Columbia, MO
Edition 38/100 Josef Albers (b.1888, Germany ) built legacies as an artist, designer, and teacher, and may be familiar to any former student of art or design (even if for only one, ...
Archival Paper
Homage to the Square - P2, F24, I1
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Portfolio 2, Folder 24, Image 1" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 origin...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P2, F27, I1
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
Embossed Linear Constructions (ELC) 1-D, 1969
By Josef Albers
Located in Columbia, MO
Edition 38/100 Josef Albers (b.1888, Germany ) built legacies as an artist, designer, and teacher, and may be familiar to any former student of art or design (even if for only one, ...
Archival Paper
Variant - P1, F28, I2, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
$3,000
Variant I /// Josef Albers Abstract Geometric Screenprint Minimalism Bauhaus Art
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "Variant I" Portfolio: Ten Variants *Unsigned edition Year: 1967 Medium: Original Screenprint on Rives BFK paper Limited edit...
Screen
Monumental Linear Construction - P2, F21, I1
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josef Albers Title: Untitled from the Portfolio: Formulation: Articulation (Double Portfolio) - Portfolio 2, Folder 10, Image 2 Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint on Mohawk Super...
Screen
Skyscrapers - P1, F21, I1, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P2, F28, I2
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
$1,200
Movement in Gray - P2, F30, I2, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist's most important color and shape theories. A copy of the colophon bearing Albers’ hand signature...
Screen
Fenced - P2, F6, I2, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original screenprints that are a definitive survey of the artis...
Screen
$1,500
Biconjugate: Vice Versa - P1, F10, I1, Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
$1,800
Josef Albers Formulation: Articulation Screen Print, Abstract Geometric, 1972
By Josef Albers
Located in White Plains, NY
A black, grey, beige, and white silkscreen by Josef Albers from, "Articulation : Formulation," published by Harry N. Abrams, 1972, and printed by Ives - Stillman. The individual imag...
Screen
Syntax - P1, F31, I1, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
Josef Albers Record Cover Art (Josef Albers album art)
By Josef Albers
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Josef Albers Album Art circa early 1960s: Vinyl record cover (containing its original record) brilliantly illustrated by Josef Albers in the early 1960s. Looks fantastic framed. Offset lithograph on vinyl album cover. 12x12 inches. Very good overall condition for its age, with the exception of a small pin-hole issued with this by record company. Original record also included in very good condition. Unsigned, edition unknown. Albers credit featured on lower left of image 2. Literature/References Sonic Albers (David Zwirner...
Offset
Colossal Building - P1, F22, I1 from Formulation: Articulation (Portfolio)
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
Homage to the Square - P2, F24, I2
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Portfolio 2, Folder 24, Image 2" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 origin...
Screen
$1,200
Rectangular Backgrounds - P1, F6, I2, Minimalist Silkscreen by Josef Albers 1972
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen