Michael Bartels 2017 Ink Drawing on Mat Board "Expression Explosion"

Item Details

Expression Explosion, 2017
Ink on mat board
Signed to lower right
Titled, dated, and inscribed to frame verso

Provenance
From the studios of Visionaries + Voices – a non-profit organization that provides exhibition opportunities, studio space, supplies, and support to more than 125 visual artists with disabilities.

An ink drawing on mat board titled Expression Explosion by Cincinnati-based artist Michael Bartels (20th/21st century), created in 2017. Exhibiting the artist’s trademark style, this work features designs of webbed and circular shapes filled with intricate radial designs in black ink. Signed in ink to the lower right, the work is mounted on a white surface, presented under glass, and housed in a white composite frame. A few descriptive labels are adhered to the verso, one of which provides information and the mission of Visionaries + Voices.

Michael Bartels is a meticulous draftsman whose tools are ink and paper. The abstract shapes within his drawings are built of an intricate, web-like pattern. Spheres and cubes are rendered so they appear to be moving forward, off the page, and around each other. Michael’s line work is laid down with heavy pressure onto lightweight bond paper. After so many passes of his pen, the lines become richer and blacker and small tears may form through the paper. These razor sharp tears perfectly outline the shapes and can only be seen by the most attentive viewer. A recently finished mural of Bartels’ work can be found on the exterior side wall of Deeper Roots coffee shop located in Oakley, Cincinnati.

Condition

- minor wear scattered throughout frame.

Dimensions

- measurement of frame; mat board measures approximately 4" W x 5" H.

Item #

18DCC475-028