Bochner, Mel | White Island, 1985 — available on Composition Gallery

From the rare limited edition of 12 - Original aquatint on paper - Excellent condition - Hand signed by Bochner

White Island by Mel Bochner is a limited edition aquatint that delves into abstract expression and geometric fragmentation. Created in 1985, this piece features a stark black background with a central white triangular form, surrounded by chaotic, white, linear strokes that resemble fractured shards. The dense, jagged lines give the composition a sense of tension, as if the image is both forming and disintegrating simultaneously. Bochner, a pioneer in conceptual art, uses this composition to explore space and perception, with the central white form acting as a void or island amidst the visual turmoil. This rare edition, hand-signed by Bochner, exemplifies his mastery in balancing order and chaos within a single frame.

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

White Island, 1985

Name: White Island, 1985
SKU: 7332

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 12

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From the rare limited edition of 12 - Original aquatint on paper - Excellent condition - Hand signed 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

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

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Vanishing Po(...), 1992-1993

Limited Edition Print

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White Island, 1985

Limited Edition Print

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Day's Cove, 1985

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Couples, 1996

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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 Bruce Nauman

What is Process Art?

Process Art is an artistic movement and creative approach where the focus is on the act of creation rather than the final product. The term process in this context refers to the various stages of art-making, including gathering, sorting, associating, and organizing materials and actions. This movement emphasizes the artistic journey and the human expression involved in creating art, rather than the finished piece itself. Process Art is driven by inherent motivation, intentionality, and the rationale behind the actions, viewing the creative process as the true artwork.

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Mel Bochner