A groundbreaking and highly influential American artist, Stella's work is wide-ranging in both style and media. Though he is known for paving the way for minimalism with his geometric works, his later works are maximalist, indicating his true versatility. See his evolution through the works in our show (along with some bonus works from our stock).
Frank Stella, River of Ponds I, 1971
Frank Stella, York Factory II, 1974
Forming a series of six vibrant and dynamic prints, Stella’s famous Sinjerli Variations in our Summer Show are inspired by the circular ancient city of Sinjerli in Asia Minor. Combining lithography and screenprinting, the circular forms of the composition are created through interlacing arcs—or protractors—with pulsating bands of colour. Despite the rigid geometry that appears to remove spatial depth, the colours are not flat but feature a textured and 'crayon-like' quality, hinting at Stella's departure from minimalist geometric forms. The dynamism is further amplified through the varied colour combinations that are at times harmonious and at other times discordant. Each work from the edition of 100 was printed by Petersburg Press, New York and signed by the artist in pencil in the lower right corner.
Frank Stella, Sinjerli Variation Ia, from Sinjerli Variations, 1977
Frank Stella, Sinjerli Variation IIa, from Sinjerli Variations, 1977
Frank Stella, Swan Engraving Circle I, State V, 1983
Frank Stella, Moby Dick, from The Waves, 1989
Created as part of his Moby Dick series inspired by Herman Melville’s 1851 novel, The Funeral from our Summer Show features the maximalist approach of Stella’s later career. The series is characterised by a frenetic and complex abstract energy that highlights the emotions of the story over the literal narrative. Intricately layering etching, aquatint, engraving and relief, the print evokes the sweeping three-dimensional planes and the geometric forms of the nautical setting. Making the series unique is the central protruding eponymous ‘dome’ shape which provides the work with a sculptural quality. Each print from the edition of 23—named after Chapter 71 of the novel—is signed in pencil, dated and numbered by the artist on handmade paper.
Frank Stella, The Funeral, from the Moby Dick (Dome) series, 1992
