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“What Would Life Be..” Van Gogh Quote

Paul Rand

Artwork Details

“What Would Life Be..” Van Gogh Quote
1985
Paul Rand
silkscreen on paper
32 1/2 in x 20 in (82.55 cm x 50.8 cm)
Gift of Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo and Maria Phillips
2016/2.210

Description

Subject Matter:

This poster is a promotional material for the type house Pastore Depamphilis Rampone. Rand chose a quotation from the artist Vincent Van Gogh and displayed it below one of Van Gogh’s most recognizable motifs: the sunflower. Rand turns the motif on its head by eliminating Van Gogh’s distinctive modulations of color and light and reducing the image to its most elemental form: the silhouette. The noticeable absence of the sunflower is contrasted with the detailed and colorful form of a butterfly, which flutters near the petals of the sunflower.

EC 2017

Physical Description:

A graphic of a sunflower's outline, black at its top and gray at its stem and leaves, appears against a white background. An orange butterlfy is positioned to the left. A Van Gogh quote appears at the bottom in gold, disjointed text.

Usage Rights:

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