Olle Baertling
OLLE BAERTLING "YKIRAM" SCREENPRINT, 1972
Olle Bærtling (1911-1981) is regarded as one of Sweden’s most important artists of the 20th century and a central figure in the development of postwar geometric abstraction.Â
Rather than treating geometry as a closed and static system, Bærtling developed what became known as “open forms,” using diagonal lines and intersecting planes to suggest movement and infinite expansion. His approach was informed by the European avant-garde, including the work of August Herbin and Fernand Léger, while his own practice extended beyond painting into sculpture and architectural proposals.
Bærtling’s compositions are characterized by a rigorous relationship between colour, line, and space. His interest in the continuity of form led him to explore sculpture as a natural extension of his paintings, with monumental works conceived to transform their surrounding environments. This ambition reflects his broader belief in abstraction as a visionary language rather than simply a formal exercise. Although his work sometimes met resistance in Sweden, Bærtling remained committed to developing an art that could move beyond the conventional boundaries of the picture plane.
In this eye-catching screenprint, Bærtling’s open-form language is distilled into a precise arrangement of angular colour fields. The sharply delineated forms appear to move across and beyond the paper, creating an impression of perpetual expansion. The composition is meticulously controlled, yet seems to resist containment. "Ykiram" demonstrates how effectively Bærtling's highly reductive visual language could be translated into print, preserving the intensity of colour and the sense of spatial continuity that define his larger practice.
Bærtling’s work is held in numerous prominent public collections internationally, including the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, Tate Modern in London, the Museum of Modern Art and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa.
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"Ykiram"
1961-72
Screenprint in colors on wove paper, with full margins
Signed, dated, and numbered 81/115, lower margins
21"H 29.5"W (sheet)
22"H 33"W (framed)
Very good condition
Reference: OB-752
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.Â
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.Â
-Â How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.Â
-Â Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.Â
-Â Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.Â
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.
Â