Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is bricolage?

What is bricolage?

Bricolage is the creation or construction of a piece of art using materials that are readily available to the artist. The term is French and roughly translates to do-it-yourself. This approach became popular when materials were scarce, encouraging artists to improvise and repurpose everyday objects. Bricolage emphasizes creativity and resourcefulness, often resulting in artworks that reflect the unique character of the materials used.

Linocut

Linocut is a printmaking technique similar to woodcut, where a sheet of linoleum is used as the relief surface. The design is carved into the linoleum using a V-shaped gouge or chisel, creating raised areas that form a mirror image of the final print. Ink is applied to the raised areas with a roller, and the linoleum sheet is then pressed onto fabric or paper. The printing can be done by hand or with a press.

Art Informel

Art Informel is a French term referring to the gestural and improvisational techniques common in abstract painting during the 1940s and 50s. It encompasses various styles that dominated these decades, characterized by informal, spontaneous methods. Artists used this term to describe approaches that moved away from traditional structures and embraced more expressive, unstructured techniques.

Entropy

Entropy, in a broader sense, refers to the inevitable deterioration or decline of a society or system. In art, the concept was popularized by artist Robert Smithson in the 1960s. He used the term to critique what he saw as the static and overly simplified nature of contemporary minimalist art. Smithson's work often explored the idea of entropy as a force of chaos and decay, contrasting with the perceived order and purity of minimalist works.

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