Sam Francis, Unique Monotype Untitled, c. 1979 |
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| Artist: | Sam Francis (1923 - 1994) |
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| Title: | Unique Monotype Untitled, c. 1979 |
| Medium: | Unique original color monotype with oil paint and ink on handmade paper |
| Image Size: | 30 in x 25 in (75.5 cm x 63.5 cm) |
| Sheet Size: | 30 in x 25 in (75.5 cm x 63.5 cm) |
| Framed Size: | 43 3/4 in x 39 in (111.1 cm x 99.1 cm) |
| Edition: | A unique original color monotype with oil paint and ink on handmade paper |
| Signature: | This work is hand-signed by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) in pencil in the lower right. |
| Condition: | This work is in excellent condition. |
| ID # | W-5630 |
Sam Francis Unique Monotype Untitled, c. 1979 is a vibrant work with a deep, blue textured background. Francis was a man of many interests, from psychology to science to religion. After a trip to Japan, he became a practitioner of Zen Buddhism. This led to his artistic practice to later become a meditative process. Looking closer it is clear each color and brushstroke mirror personal meditations of his life and emotions. Francis is most influenced by the abstract expressionists and would later become part of a later generation for this art style. Moreover, in his later life he delved into Jungian analysis and began to pay attention the imagery of his dreams and subconscious. He executed many of his prints in Santa Monica in a studio he owned. He continued his artistic practice until the end of his life.
In this work, abstract shapes colored in pink, green and yellow are layered on top of a deep blue color. The blue maintains the textural quality of the woodcut print, inadvertently adding new patterns to this image. Surrounding the shapes are thinly curved strands of color and paint splatters. This is a clear allusion to the work of earlier abstract expressionists such as Jackson Pollock. The contrasting colors allow each shape to stand out as an individual unit. Nevertheless, the artwork is incredibly balanced, bringing to mind the sense of equilibrium Francis sought in his artistic practice. For Francis, each color was a reflection of his intimate joys and sufferings. Looking at the work, viewers are brought to a close understanding of Francis’ inner psyche. The fact that this is an unique and original monotype only heightens the growing demand for his innovative and enigmatic artworks.
Created c. 1979, this Unique original color monotype with oil paint and ink on handmade paper is hand- by Sam Francis (San Mateo, 1923- Santa Monica, 1994) in pencil in the lower right.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
1. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.
ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards Sam Francis Untitled is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical-grade Plexiglas.
