Repetition, Sequences and Series
A repeating motif across a blank wall can have a powerful visual effect. Artists often explore an idea, image or technique through repetition, breaking down an idea or composition to a granular level where the slightest variation can transform the next work in the series.The Impressionists were the first group of artists to explore the idea of repetition and series in an academic way, paving the road for the 20th century movements that would follow. In Minimalist work, fundamental elements are repeated in a series that explores the possibilities of a preset sequence whose central idea is multiplicity and its innate variations. The Pop artists used repeated motifs as a way of focusing attention on the technical repetition of the printing process itself and the commercialization of the image. Many artists use printmaking to explore the ideas of repetition and series. A portfolio of prints and drawings allows the artist to explore an idea, theme or image through a series of works that share technique, palette and concept.
Works of art with repeating images, sequences and series provide a great opportunity to add a design element to your walls. Our February 17 Art & Design auction offers many opportunities to explore these ideas:
At top: Lots 125-128: DIANE KEPFORD: SELF-PORTRAIT; UNTITLED #3; UNTITLED #4; UNTITLED #2, Oil on linen, 1988.
Lots 4-6: JAMES ROSENQUIST: CASTELLI GALLERY POSTER, Offset lithograph in colors on wove paper, 1965, signed and dated in pencil.
Lots 54-57: ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG, STORYLINE I, FROM REELS B+C; STORYLINE II, FROM REELS B+C; STORYLINE III, FROM REELS B+C; FLOWER RE-RUN, FROM REELS B+C Lithographs in colors on wove paper, 1968, signed and dated in pencil.
Lot 122: DOUGLAS MAZONOWICZ: THE HAND OF MAN: NINE PLATES. The incomplete portfolio of nine lithographs in colors on wove paper, 1981.
Lot 101: 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL: UNTITLED: FOUR WORKS, Four collage on paper.
Lot 110: 20TH CENTURY SCHOOL: FIGURES: THREE WORKS, Three collage on paper.