Frontal
Vincent Longo
Description
Subject Matter:
One of the foundational elements of Longo's work, the formal qualities of the grid, was influenced by earlier modernists like Mondrian. This etching dates from the period when Longo began investigating "Eastern" art and philosophy. He was particularly interested in exploring the fundamental ideas of meditative practice, of yantra and mandalas. As Longo explained, "I think of these all-over patterns as a kind of space itself, with its unseen dimensions, skeletal matter, configured energy and pure abstraction—spaces between, arbitrarily found points, flatness hinting at depth." Inspired by Taoist beliefs, Longo formed his grids from the center outwards. He uses color and tone, such as the range of greys in this work, to signify light, warmth and radiance. Overall, Longo strove to achieve formal balance, beauty, and a sense of being in his work.
Physical Description:
This etching has a grey and white all-over grid pattern. Thicker, light grey lines make up the main grid and individual squares from this pattern are broken into smaller quadrants of small white rectangles. The print uses lighter tones towards the center and outer corners of the work. Darker grey tones are used between these areas. The work is printed on ivory wove paper. The print is signed, dated, and numbered (l.r.) "Longo 70 4/45" in pencil.
Usage Rights:
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