Larry Rivers – Make Believe Ballroom, 1989 – Mixed Media

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Acrylic Oil and Color Photolithograph on Canvas Mounted on Cast Resin Fiber and Wood

Make Believe Ballroom by Larry Rivers is a mixed-media piece blending acrylic, oil, and color photolithograph on canvas mounted on resin fiber and wood. Created in 1989, this artwork captures an elegant couple dancing in a timeless, sophisticated setting. The man and woman, dressed in formal evening wear, hold each other in a poised embrace, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romance. The background, with its muted grays and structured architectural elements, contrasts with the vibrant presence of the couple, especially the woman’s flowing black dress. The composition suggests a dreamlike, cinematic quality, as if capturing a fleeting moment from an old Hollywood film.

Larry Rivers (United States, 1923–2002) was a multifaceted artist whose work bridged Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. Initially a jazz saxophonist, he transitioned to visual arts, creating paintings and sculptures that often incorporated commercial imagery and cultural references. Rivers' innovative approach significantly influenced post-war American art.

Larry Rivers

Make Believe Ballroom, 1989

Form

Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition PrintA limited edition print is one of a number of prints made at the same time from one printmaking plate. A fixed number are made and signed by the artist, indicating the printing order, using the format 1/10, meaning first of ten prints.

Medium

Mixed Media

Mixed MediaMixed media refers to artwork that incorporates more than one medium within a single piece. Unlike multimedia art, which combines distinct forms of visual art and often includes elements like sound, video, or digital media, mixed media focuses on combining traditional art materials, such as paint, ink, and collage. Mixed media art allows artists to achieve a wide range of effects and textures by layering and blending different materials.

Edition

Edition of 105

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Limited Edition Print

Limited Edition Print

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Any art communicates what you're in the mood to receive.
- Larry Rivers

Larry Rivers (b. 1923 USA, d. 2002 USA) was an influential American painter, sculptor, and filmmaker, often credited as a key figure in the development of Pop Art. Rivers' work is characterized by its bold use of color, dynamic compositions, and incorporation of everyday objects and popular culture references, blending abstraction with figuration in innovative ways. He began his career as a jazz musician before turning to painting in the late 1940s, studying under Hans Hofmann and becoming associated with the New York School. Rivers is best known for his works that juxtapose traditional artistic techniques with contemporary themes, such as his iconic Washington Crossing the Delaware (1953), which reinterprets the famous historical painting in a modern context. His art often challenged conventional boundaries, merging high art with popular imagery and exploring themes of history, identity, and politics. Rivers' work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, and he remains a significant figure in the history of 20th-century American art. (Artist website)

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Larry Rivers

Make Believe Ballroom, 1989

91.4 x 91.4 cm

Larry Rivers

Make Believe Ballroom, 1989

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