(1915-1991), alongside Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, made up the quartet of abstract painters that radically defined Modern painting in America and established New York City as the new center of the art world.

While Motherwell is known for his gestural works, he did not resist the influence of Minimalism in the late 1960s and into the 1970s. Regardless of the era, an essential component of his practice was working with abstract fields of (dark) negative space. 

"Untitled (Pink and Orange)" is a fine example from the artist's London Series II comprised of 5 iconic minimal prints. The group expounds on Motherwell's Open theme, arguably one of the most minimal bodies of work from his oeuvre.  Whether solid or delicately outlined, simple squares and rectangles represent windows or openings to a world beyond. 

Many connoisseurs associate rich saturated fields or gestures of black with Motherwell. Yet most of the Open series employ bright optimistic colors whether primary or almost pastel. Here Motherwell works with a phantom-like soft pink and pale lemon. 

Motherwell's contribution to the art historical canon is undisputed. This recognition is imbued as a result of his prolific achievements in printmaking. He is revered as one of the most experimental and courageous printmakers of the 20th century. 

Questions about this piece?  or call . Visit our Toronto gallery on .

“Untitled (Pink and Orange), from London Series II”

Screenprint in colors on J.B. Green paper

Signed in pencil by artist with blindstamp

From an edition of 150 

28.25"H 41.25"W (work)

Very good condition.

Published by Marlborough Graphics, Inc., New York