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The ABC of Z

Sir Eduardo Paolozzi ; Richard Davis; Editions Alecto

Artwork Details

The ABC of Z
1970
Sir Eduardo Paolozzi ; Richard Davis; Editions Alecto
photolithograph on paper
14 15/16 in x 10 in (38 cm x 25.4 cm)
Gift of Professor Diane M. Kirkpatrick
2000/2.14.26

Description

Subject Matter:

Like many of his contemporaries, Paolozzi used new printing techniques as a way to engage with modern mass media's new visual culture. At the same time, the photomechanical process made the work look mechanically manufactured rather hand made, in the traditional artistic sense. Therefore, after he modified, transformed, and assembled the source image(s), the medium would allow for a more uniform final image.

This print is one of a large series of 50 prints included in the 1970 portfolio, which was a second edition of the an earlier group of slightly-larger prints titled "Moonstrips Empire News." While the first series was stricktly produced as screenprints, this second series "General Dynamic F.U.N." includes works of photolithography, like this one. The themes seen in this portfolio are different in style and subject matter from other Pop works of the period, but engage with the images of a modern mass media, looking beyond just advertising and publicity images. Likewise, the title of the portfolio alludes to the General Dynamics Corporation, who was the manufacturer of the F-111 fighter used during the Vietnam War--the same one referenced in James Rosenquist monumental painting "F-111."

Physical Description:

This black and white photolithograph has a frame of white squares, halfed by a thin line and edged with thick black lines. Towards the top of the print, there are four panels. Each panel has a different abstract design of shapes patterned with grids, lines, and checkers. At the bottom of the print, there is another framed panel with rectangular shapes with differing-sized checkers.

Usage Rights:

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