Items Similar to 1965 Modernist Fiber Art Wall Sculpture From the Collection of Paul J. Smith
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
1965 Modernist Fiber Art Wall Sculpture From the Collection of Paul J. Smith
$2,350
£1,774.50
€2,044.92
CA$3,316.85
A$3,656.75
CHF 1,913.09
MX$44,861.53
NOK 24,082.06
SEK 22,520.53
DKK 15,271.53
About the Item
Modernist Fiber Art Wall Sculpture “Untitled Abstract Construction,” Signed Lofo ’65 — From the Collection of Paul J. Smith
A striking and dimensional fiber art wall sculpture, signed “Lofo 65,” crafted in 1965 with meticulously sculpted silk thread on a channeled silk backing. The composition features rhythmic arrangements of jewel-toned crimson, magenta, sapphire, and turquoise silk thread, creating a vivid abstract geometry across the textile surface.
The panel is unframed and retains its original grommets for hanging, presenting as both painting and textile, with sculptural relief that invites close inspection. Its rich surface texture and interlocking patterns evoke a painterly sensibility rooted in midcentury modernist abstraction.
Klimt Influence:
The work recalls the mosaic-like compositions of Gustav Klimt, particularly in its interplay of color, ornament, and structure. Like Klimt, the artist transforms decorative geometry into an expressive visual language—layering richly colored forms with rhythmic precision to create a composition that is both opulent and architectural. The sheen of the silk threads and the sensuality of the surface enhance this parallel.
Dimensions:
19″ H × 16.5″ W
Medium:
Hand‑stitched silk thread on channeled silk backing
Signature:
“S. Lofo 65” (stitched inscription, lower right)
Condition:
Bright, vivid coloration preserved in excellent vintage condition. No visible repairs or damage. Ready to hang.
Provenance:
From the esteemed collection of Paul J. Smith (1931–2020), renowned director and curator of the Museum of Contemporary Crafts (later American Craft Museum, now Museum of Arts and Design), New York. Smith was a pivotal figure in legitimizing textile and fiber arts as fine art forms during the mid‑20th century through influential exhibitions and acquisitions. This panel likely entered his collection through relationships he cultivated with emerging fiber artists during the vibrant 1960s.
Artist Attribution & Research:
The stitched signature “Lofo” suggests a lesser-known or experimental fiber artist active circa 1965. Potential leads include:
Solo practitioner active in mid-’60s fiber art circles, possibly exhibiting in regional craft fairs or college galleries.
Craft school alumna/alumnus, perhaps under influential fiber artists such as Lenore Tawney, Dorothy Liebes, or Ed Rossbach, who encouraged innovative uses of silk and relief stitching.
“Lofo” may be an abbreviated signature (initials) or pseudonym—archival research into 1960s MFA theses, craft guild membership lists, Smithsonian/CAMD acquisition records, and American Crafts Council files may help illuminate their identity. With provenance tied to Paul J. Smith, institutional archive access could guide scholarly attribution.
Stylistic & Historical Significance:
This work exemplifies the transformative moment in fiber art—when artists redefined textiles through abstraction, sculptural texture, and painterly color. The panel occupies a compelling space between art and craft, making it a rare and expressive example of 1960s wall-mounted fiber sculpture.
- Similar to:(after) Gustav Klimt (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1965
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Morristown, NJ
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5990245974182
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2020
1stDibs seller since 2021
224 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Morristown, NJ
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllPaul Garland, Large Steel Framed Colorful Abstract Monotype 1983
By Paul Garland
Located in Morristown, NJ
Paul Garland (American, b. 1943), an abstract composition, pencil signed and dated 1983. The work is very colorful with wonderful movement and expression. It has been expertly framed...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Steel
1989 Spain Large Mixed Media Abstract Artwork by Vicenç Viaplana
Located in Morristown, NJ
Vicenc Viaplana (Spanish, b. 1955), , 1989, mixed media on canvas, unframed and on stretchers, signed "Viaplana" verso. A striking and abstract composition, showcasing the artist's e...
Category
Vintage 1980s Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Paul Garland, Large Steel Framed Colorful Abstract Monotype 1984
By Paul Garland
Located in Morristown, NJ
Paul Garland (American, b. 1943), an abstract composition, pencil signed and dated 1984. The work is very colorful with wonderful movement and expression. It has been expertly framed...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Steel
20th C. Framed Modern School Abstract Gouache Depicting Geometric Shapes
Located in Morristown, NJ
Modern School (20th c.), an abstract, gouache on board, no signature visible. This is an abstract painting characterized by a mosaic of colorful geometric shapes. The composition is...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Modern Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Masonite, Paint
Ibram Lassaw, Framed Pencil Signed Limited Edition Abstract Lithograph, 1970
By Ibram Lassaw
Located in Morristown, NJ
Ibram Lassaw (Egyptian/American, 1913-2003), a striking monochrome lithograph, untitled, from Peace Portfolio I, pencil signed and dated "Lassaw, 1970", and numbered "67/175", with a...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Prints
Materials
Metal
Large Format Mixed Media Painting Strata XVII, 1992, by Alfonse Borysewicz, NYC
Located in Morristown, NJ
Contemporary School (American, 20th c.), "Strata XVII', signed, titled and dated in pencil verso, unframed with canvas on wood stretchers. An abstract oil and wax work on linen.
Dimensions:
70"h x 83"w x 2"d
Condition:
Good. No visible condition issues observed.
About the Artist:
Alfonse Borysewicz...
Category
1990s American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint, Linen
You May Also Like
Corrie Schmidt Abstract Rectangular Form Fiber Art Sculptural Wall Hanging 1980s
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Cornelia (Corrie) Johanna Schmidt-Tom (1934-2020), Dutch-American, Fabulous Rectangular-Form Fiber Art in vivid red, purple, pink, blue, orange and white with a tan border around the...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Organic Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Brass
Fiber Art by Janet Kuemmerlein
By Janet Kuemmerlein
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Janet Kuemmerlein's stunning fiber art piece, measuring 24”x 26”, is a captivating exploration of color and texture. With a mesmerizing palette ranging from vibrant purples to fiery ...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Tapestries
Materials
Fabric, Yarn
Abstract 1960s Textile Fiber Art Panel Titled "Summer is Gone" by Helen Richards
Located in Peabody, MA
Abstract fiber art panel titled “Summer is Gone” by the painter and textile artist Helen Richards of Garden Grove, CA, circa 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Tapestries
Materials
Natural Fiber, Wood
Mid Century Fiber Art by Susan Frank
By Susan Frank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fiber Art by Susan Frank, Circa 1975. Made from wool, steel , wood and clay beads.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Mid Century Modern Fiber Art Textile Stitchery Wall Hanging by Carolyn Hall 1965
Located in Troy, MI
Fantastic fiber art wall hanging by Michigan artist Carolyn Vosburg Hall
Bright colored applied textile elements and hand stitched details on a black fabric canvas
Titled "Cheerful...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Tapestries
Materials
Textile, Yarn
Mid Century Abstract Geometric Fiber Art Textile Wall Sculpture by Carolyn Hall
Located in Troy, MI
Incredible textile wall hanging sculpture by Michigan fiber artist Carolyn Vosburg Hall
Multi dimensional constructionist piece in colorful textile wrapped shapes with black and whi...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Fabric, Felt, Wood
More Ways To Browse
Mid Century Dimensional Wall Art
Antique Egg Collection
Antique Egyptian Doors
Antique Fire Guard Screen
Antique Flat Files
Antique French Clock With Garnitures
Antique French Music Box
Antique French Sevres Porcelain Inkwells
Antique French Slate Clock
Antique French Wood Statues
Antique Fukagawa Vase
Antique Furniture With Secret Compartments
Antique Glass Hinged Box
Antique Grandmothers Clock
Antique Hand Carved Wooden Chest
Antique Honey Pot
Antique Horn Snuff Box
Antique Indian Oil Lamp