Mixografia in colours on handmade paper.
Signed, dated and numbered by Frankenthaler in pencil.
Frankenthaler's 'Sirocco' channels the turbulent sensibility of the sirocco wind into organic, swirling abstraction, where warm chromatic intensity dissolves into lyrical gesture. The Mixografia process yields a textured, layered surface that celebrates the tactile dimension of paint-as-material while evoking vast atmospheric expanses.
Helen Frankenthaler (USA, 1928–2011) was a leading abstract painter and a pioneer of the Color Field movement. Known for her innovative 'soak-stain' technique, she applied diluted paint directly onto unprimed canvases, creating luminous, fluid compositions that redefined modern abstraction.
Mixed MediaMixed media refers to artwork that incorporates more than one medium within a single piece. Unlike multimedia art, which combines distinct forms of visual art and often includes elements like sound, video, or digital media, mixed media focuses on combining traditional art materials, such as paint, ink, and collage. Mixed media art allows artists to achieve a wide range of effects and textures by layering and blending different materials.
Mixografia in colours on handmade paper.
Signed, dated and numbered by Frankenthaler in pencil.
Frankenthaler's 'Sirocco' channels the turbulent sensibility of the sirocco wind into organic, swirling abstraction, where warm chromatic intensity dissolves into lyrical gesture. The Mixografia process yields a textured, layered surface that celebrates the tactile dimension of paint-as-material while evoking vast atmospheric expanses.
Helen Frankenthaler (USA, 1928–2011) was a leading abstract painter and a pioneer of the Color Field movement. Known for her innovative 'soak-stain' technique, she applied diluted paint directly onto unprimed canvases, creating luminous, fluid compositions that redefined modern abstraction.
A really good picture looks as if it's happened at once. It's an immediate image.
- Helen Frankenthaler
Initially creating in the style of abstract expressionism before going on to pioneer the Colour Field movement, Helen Frankenthaler was an iconic, highly influential artist with work spanning across the mediums of painting, sculpture and printmaking. Frankenthaler was initially recognised for her colour-stain technique – the practice of applying heavily diluted oil paint onto an unprimed canvas that had been lay flat on the floor; the practice of laying the canvas flat was inspired by Jackson Pollock. Frankenthaler drew a lot of her inspiration from nature – her works would analyse natural forms and recreate them on the canvas – this, as well as the technique of laying the canvas flat, is exemplified in her most notable painting, Mountains and Sea. Asides from these paintings, Frankenthaler also received acclaim for her printmaking – Madame Butterfly is her most recognised print and was created with the use of 46 woodblocks and a range of 102 different colours. (Artist website)
American Abstract Artists (AAA) is an organization founded in New York City in 1936 to promote abstract art and its appreciation in the United States. At a time when abstract art faced strong opposition from critics, the AAA provided crucial exhibition opportunities for abstract artists, helping to foster the growth and acceptance of the movement.