Bochner, Mel | Couples, 1996 — available on Composition Gallery

Two Untitled Prints from the "Couples" portfolio - Two color etchings with aquatint on wove paper - Published by Parasol Press Ltd. - From the suite: Work by Couples - Hand signed by the artist

Mel Bochner (USA, 1940-2025) was a conceptual artist and pioneer in text-based art. Known for his bold use of language, color, and mathematical precision, his works explore the intersection of linguistics, perception, and visual art. Bochner’s influential practice challenges viewers to reconsider the relationship between words and images.

Mel Bochner

Couples, 1996

Name: Couples, 1996
SKU: 6550

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Etching and Aquatint

Etching and AquatintEtching and aquatint are printmaking techniques. In aquatint, the printing plate is etched with a pattern of tiny pits and cracks to create a wide range of tonal gradations. This technique allows artists to replicate the broad, flat tones found in watercolor paintings and ink washes.

Edition

Edition of 75 + 15 APs

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Two Untitled Prints from the "Couples" portfolio - Two color etchings with aquatint on wove paper - Published by Parasol Press Ltd. - From the suite: Work by Couples - Hand signed by the artist

Mel Bochner

Private Listing

Limited Edition Print

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Mel Bochner

Private Listing

Limited Edition Print

request info

Mel Bochner

Private Listing

Limited Edition Print

request info

Mel Bochner

Private Listing

Limited Edition Print

request info

Mel Bochner

Private Listing

Limited Edition Print

request info

Mel Bochner

Untitled (Four X Four X Four), 1990

Limited Edition Print

Screen-print

USD 1,450

Mel Bochner

Oh Well, 2019

Limited Edition Print

Mixed Media

EUR 12,000

Mel Bochner

Crazy (With background Noise) , 2018

Limited Edition Print

Screen-print

EUR 9,000

Mel Bochner

Blah Blah Blah (Inverse), 2022

Limited Edition Print

Silkscreen

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Kick Against(...), 2018

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Thank You, 2021

Limited Edition Print

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Blah Blah Bl(...), 2013

Limited Edition Print

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Vanishing Po(...), 1992-1993

Limited Edition Print

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White Island, 1985

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Day's Cove, 1985

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Couples, 1996

Limited Edition Print

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The viewer should enter the idea through a visual or phenomenological experience rather than simply reading it.

- Mel Bochner

Regarded as one of the most influential and successful pioneers of Conceptual art,, Mel Bochner analyzed the relationship between language, physical space, and color through his text-based paintings. His work often featured expletives and derogatory words rendered in soft, pastel tones such as pink, while complimentary words appeared in sludgy brown or soiled black, subverting expected emotional responses.

One of Bochner’s most celebrated works was a series of thesaurus-based paintings, in which he filled walls with synonyms for a single word, encouraging viewers to reflect on the language they use and the meanings words carry. Throughout his career, he was vocal about his need to experiment with various materials and approaches as a means of fulfilling his artistic expression and creativity. He elaborated on this philosophy in his essay The Medium and the Tedium. (Artist website)

Available works by Mel Bochner

See all →

Mel Bochner

Untitled (Four X Four X Four), 1990

Limited Edition Print

Screen-print

USD 1,450

Mel Bochner

Oh Well, 2019

Limited Edition Print

Mixed Media

EUR 12,000

Mel Bochner

Crazy (With background Noise) , 2018

Limited Edition Print

Screen-print

EUR 9,000

Artwork by John Baldessari

What is conceptual art?

Sometimes referred to as Conceptualism, this is an art form where the idea(s) or concept(s) behind the work take precedence over material concerns and traditional aesthetics. Many conceptual artworks can be created by anyone simply by following written instructions. The concept or idea is the most essential aspect of the artwork.

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Language & Currency

Mel Bochner