George Vranesh Serigraph "Northern Element"

Item Details

George Vranesh (American, 1926 – 2014)
Northern Element, 1974
Serigraph on paper
Signed in graphite
Numbered 157 / 200

An accomplished educator and printmaker, Vranesh is known for his colorful modernist works. He received an MA in anthropology at the University of Iowa and studied art at the Art Students League in New York during the mid-1950s. In New York, Vranesh studied under American artist Will Barnet. Barnet encouraged his students to study art history and to utilize experimentation. In experimenting with color and studying art history, Vranesh developed his personal style. He was influenced by the Purism theories of Cubist painter and writer Amédée Ozenfant and color theory of Hans Hofmann. Purism theories taught that color was secondary to form and aimed to maximize brightness and harmony. Hofman’s “push and pull” theories used contrast, form, and texture of colors create a sense of space and depth on a flat surface. Vranesh’s anthropology studies had a significant influence on his work. Studying the visual cultures of a wide variety of peoples resulted in simplified, organic forms and a lack of distinction between positive and negative space. In his lifetime, he exhibited in New York, Anchorage, Alaska; and Newport, Rhode Island.

Condition

- minor denting to the corners; minor toning to the edges of the paper.

Dimensions

- measures sheet size; printed image 20" W x 20" H.

Item #

16NYC996-013