Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is a triptych?

What is a triptych?

A triptych is an artwork divided into three sections or panels, often hinged together, allowing it to be displayed open or folded shut. It is a type of polyptych, a term for multi-panel artworks. Typically, the central panel is the largest, flanked by two smaller panels, although some triptychs have panels of equal size. Triptychs have been historically significant in religious art but are also used in contemporary works.

Postmodernism

Postmodernism is an art movement that emerged as a reaction against authority and traditional boundaries, seeking to blur the lines between art and everyday life. It aimed to bridge the gap between the cultural elite and the general public by embracing eclectic mixtures of earlier conventions and styles. Postmodernist art often challenges established norms and celebrates diversity, irony, and pastiche, making it a movement that reflects the complexities of contemporary culture.

Woodcut

Woodcut is a printing technique where an image is carved into the surface of a woodblock using gouges, with the remaining flat surface holding the ink for printing. The areas cut away by the artist do not carry ink, while the uncut areas do, producing the desired print. The carving follows the wood's grain, unlike wood engraving, where the block is cut across the end-grain. Ink is applied to the surface with a roller, ensuring only the flat, uncarved areas receive ink, leaving the recessed, non-printing areas clean.

Kinetic art

Kinetic art is an international movement that emerged in the 1920s and gained prominence in the 1960s, referring to art that involves both apparent and real motion. It encompasses any medium that includes movement, either relying on actual motion for its effect or being perceived as moving by the viewer. Early examples include canvas paintings designed to create optical illusions of movement. Today, kinetic art often refers to three-dimensional figures and sculptures, such as those operated by machines or those that move naturally. The movement covers a variety of styles and techniques that frequently overlap.

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