Three Color Improvisation
Opening Reception Saturday, November 4, 2017 5-7 PM
Three Color Improvisation, a new series of linoleum block prints by artist Jonathan Fabricant is an exploration in layering of color, optical patterning and combinations of the two. Starting by testing dabs of color within another, he structured color relationships into a series of squares, adopting the iconic, off-centered layout used in Josef Albers‘ Homage to the Square. After completing thirty-five 4 x 4 inch compositions, he put them in a hat and pulled them out randomly, assigning each a consecutive number, placing them in order on a 20 x 28 inch grid. The resulting grid composition was orchestrated onto three separate linoleum blocks to create the final image.
Last spring, Jonathan made the first proof from the carved blocks on the press at the Russell Janis Studio. This fall, we invited him back to create a series of prints to more fully realize the potential of this complex composition. Three groups were made, the first in primary colors of red, yellow and blue which led into considering complimentary colors: orange, green and purple and lastly a range of blue and grey. As the prints rolled off the press, our responses influenced decisions about the next. Continuous adjustments modifying the colors brought the print along to new and unforeseen states.
For images from the project and exhibit,
see the exhibit page.