Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is mezzotint?

What is mezzotint?

Mezzotint is a printmaking technique in which a copper or steel plate is roughened to produce a solid black print. The artist smooths specific areas of the plate to create a range of tones, from deep blacks to delicate grays and whites. By varying the degree of smoothing, the artist can achieve detailed gradations of light and shadow, resulting in prints with rich, velvety textures and subtle transitions between light and dark.

Grupo Ruptura

Grupo Ruptura was an organization formed in Brazil by artists who sought to break away from traditional naturalist painting in favor of geometric abstract art. In the early 1950s, the group published the Ruptura Manifesto, advocating for new art for a new country. The manifesto emphasized a departure from the past and a commitment to innovation, aligning with the modernist vision of Brazil as a forward-looking nation.

Art Informel

Art Informel is a French term referring to the gestural and improvisational techniques common in abstract painting during the 1940s and 50s. It encompasses various styles that dominated these decades, characterized by informal, spontaneous methods. Artists used this term to describe approaches that moved away from traditional structures and embraced more expressive, unstructured techniques.

CoBrA

CoBrA stands for Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam; the group was formed with a desire to break away from the existing art movements of the time. Their critique of Western society led them to experiment and evolve into a significant international movement. CoBrA was founded on November 8, 1948, at the Notre Dame Café in Paris, where its manifesto was signed by Karel Appel, Joseph Noiret, Corneille, Christian Dotremont, Constant, and Asger Jorn. The group was united by a shared commitment to freedom in both form and color, and their work emphasized experimentation and spontaneity.

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