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Abstract Prints

Abstraction, or the freedom of subject matter from the representational, was a key element of Cubism, Suprematism, Constructivism, and other movements of the early 20th century.

In the German Bauhaus, Wassily Kandinsky created abstract lithographs based on ideas of spirituality in color and inspiration in music. Pioneering Cubist George Braque continued his experimentation with abstraction in color lithography, enjoying the process of creation almost as much as the finished result. In the mid-1940s and 50s, Jackson Pollock experimented with his abstract expressionist style through screenprinting and etching.

Reacting against the fluid gesture of abstract expressionism, 1960s artists created hard edge abstract prints. Screenprinting was an especially suitable medium for artists to create abstract works due to the layering and transferring integral to the technique. In the later 20 century, artists began to explore reproduction, appropriation, and hybridization as elements of their fine prints, making full use of the forgiving nature of the medium.


Quick Facts

  • Jackson Pollock created his first etchings at Stanley William Hayter's Atelier 17. He worked after hours to avoid the attention others, and drew directly onto the plate into the wax ground without the help of preparatory drawings
  • Atelier 17 was a great supporter of female printmakers; notable artists such as Louise Nevelson, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler experimented with abstract techniques in engraving and lithography in the studio
  • Similar to the loose abstract style of her soak and stain canvases, Helen Frankenthaler created monotype prints in the 1960s that produce a similar effect of soft color areas

Recommended Items at Auction

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PANAMARENKO [1940-2019]
Dec 10, 3:00 PM CET
PANAMARENKO [1940-2019]
by Cnock Auctions
Est: €100- €300
€55015 Bids
Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Relations of a Spider (from the Nana Hyarku Mizu portfolio)
Dec 07, 11:00 AM CST
Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Relations of a Spider (from the Nana Hyarku Mizu portfolio)
by Wright
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$75012 Bids
JIRI ANDERLE (°1936)
Dec 06, 2:00 PM CET
JIRI ANDERLE (°1936)
by Bernaerts Auctioneers
Est: €100- €150
€85011 Bids
ZAO WOU-KI (1921-2013)
Dec 05, 2:00 PM CET
ZAO WOU-KI (1921-2013)
by Tajan
Est: €800- €1,200
€1,6009 Bids
Carlos Merida (1891/95 - 1984): Untitled
Dec 06, 10:00 AM PST
Carlos Merida (1891/95 - 1984): Untitled
by Abell Auction
Est: $300- $500
$6507 Bids
JOSEPH WILLAERT (1936-2014)
Dec 06, 2:00 PM CET
JOSEPH WILLAERT (1936-2014)
by Bernaerts Auctioneers
Est: €100- €200
€1407 Bids
Carlos Merida (1891/95 - 1984): Untitled
Dec 06, 10:00 AM PST
Carlos Merida (1891/95 - 1984): Untitled
by Abell Auction
Est: $300- $500
$9007 Bids
MUSIC ANTONI ZORAN (1909 - 2005) - Barques de Pallestrina.
Dec 07, 3:00 PM CET
MUSIC ANTONI ZORAN (1909 - 2005) - Barques de Pallestrina.
by Capitolium Art
Est: €400- €600
€3005 Bids
• FRIEDENSREICH HUNDERTWASSER (AUSTRIAN 1928-2000)
Dec 13, 12:00 PM GMT
• FRIEDENSREICH HUNDERTWASSER (AUSTRIAN 1928-2000)
by Olympia Auctions
Est: £2,000- £3,000
£1,3005 Bids
Bertrand LAVIER: "Untitled Modern Painting 3"
Dec 09, 10:30 AM CST
Bertrand LAVIER: "Untitled Modern Painting 3"
by Armstrong Fine Art
Est: $700- $900
$1,1004 Bids
TAPIES ANTONI (1923 - 2012) - Mocador Lligat.
Dec 07, 3:00 PM CET
TAPIES ANTONI (1923 - 2012) - Mocador Lligat.
by Capitolium Art
Est: €600- €800
€2004 Bids
Alex Katz, Sunset: Lake Wesserunset 2
Dec 07, 11:00 AM CST
Alex Katz, Sunset: Lake Wesserunset 2
by Wright
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$7504 Bids
David Kracov, Swiss (Born 1968)
Dec 06, 6:00 PM EST
David Kracov, Swiss (Born 1968)
by Kodner Galleries
Est: $800- $1,200
$5003 Bids
Pierre Alechinsky (Belgian 1927). Théâtre pacifique [Pacific Theatre], 1978.
Dec 12, 1:00 PM CET
Pierre Alechinsky (Belgian 1927). Théâtre pacifique [Pacific Theatre], 1978.
by Adams Amsterdam Auctions
Est: €1,200- €1,800
€9503 Bids
Max Papart (1911–1994) Abstract Lithograph
Dec 05, 12:00 PM EST
Max Papart (1911–1994) Abstract Lithograph
by Akiba Galleries
Est: $50- $500
$753 Bids
Holo 11A 12C 11C - Yaacov Agam
Dec 06, 8:00 PM EST
Holo 11A 12C 11C - Yaacov Agam
by Art Bay Auctions
Est: $5,000- $8,000
$6003 Bids
Ernest Tino Trova (American, 1927-2009)
Dec 07, 1:00 PM CST
Ernest Tino Trova (American, 1927-2009)
by Neal Auction Company
Est: $200- $300
$903 Bids
Piet Mondrian (after)
Dec 05, 6:00 PM CET
Piet Mondrian (after)
by TGP Auction
Est: CHF140- CHF180
CHF1003 Bids
ZAO WOU-KI (1921-2013)
Dec 05, 2:00 PM CET
ZAO WOU-KI (1921-2013)
by Tajan
Est: €700- €800
€7003 Bids
HARTUNG HANS (1904 - 1989) - L-10, Blauschwarz.
Dec 07, 3:00 PM CET
HARTUNG HANS (1904 - 1989) - L-10, Blauschwarz.
by Capitolium Art
Est: €700- €900
€1503 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Abstract Prints


Art Atelier

Art Atelier

Robinhood Auctions

Robinhood Auctions

Finarte

Finarte

Wright

Wright