Bochner, Mel | Day's Cove, 1985 — available on Composition Gallery

Original aquatint on paper - 5 from the rare limited artist proof edition of 6 - in excellent condition - Hand signed numbered and dated by Bochner

Day's Cove by Mel Bochner is an original aquatint print created in 1985, distinguished by its expressive abstract geometry. Limited to a rare edition of only 6 artist proofs, this piece features angular, crystalline structures in a stark monochromatic palette. The overlapping lines and dripping effects lend the image an organic yet fragmented appearance, suggesting both structure and disintegration. Bochner's use of bold, intersecting shapes and splatters captures a sense of movement, as if the forms are caught in a moment of explosive transformation. This piece reflects Bochner's exploration of form, texture, and the boundaries of structured abstraction, with a raw energy emphasized by the intense contrasts in black and white.

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

Day's Cove, 1985

Name: Day's Cove, 1985
SKU: 7258

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

Aquatint

AquatintIntaglio is a printmaking technique where the artist creates marks on a metal plate that hold ink or dye. The inked plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the ink to the sheet. This process can be repeated multiple times depending on the technique. Intaglio methods, such as etching, often involve applying a mordant (acid) to the metal plate to create the design. Intaglio encompasses various techniques, including engraving, etching, and drypoint.

Edition

Edition of 6 APs

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Original aquatint on paper - 5 from the rare limited artist proof edition of 6 - in excellent condition - Hand signed numbered and dated by Bochner

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

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Mel Bochner

Private Listing

Limited Edition Print

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Mel Bochner

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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

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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 Richard Serra

What is Postminimalism?

Postminimalism refers to a range of art styles that emerged in the 1960s, following the Minimalism movement. While Minimalism focused on simplicity and impersonality, Postminimalist artists retained some elements of Minimalism but also explored greater expressiveness, experimenting with new materials and techniques. This movement includes various forms of art such as conceptual art, body art, performance art, process art, and site-specific works. Postminimalism represents a shift toward more personal, tactile, and process-oriented approaches to art-making.

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Mel Bochner