ROBERT MOTHERWELL "HARVEST, WITH ORANGE STRIPE" 1973

While Robert Motherwell (1915-1991) is known as one of the most important and influential artists associated with Abstract Expressionism, he is also revered for his work and promotion of printmaking.

The “Summer Light Series” was a milestone series for Motherwell that allowed him to reintroduce collage into his printing practice. The series was started in 1972, and released in 1973 as Motherwell's first large-scale project at Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles. The titles were derived from typography on the labels used as collage fragments. In this print, the blue, black, cream, and orange layered base is adorned with the packaging of German cigarette brand, "Ernte 23." The German word "ernte" translates to "harvest," a term which titles several prints in the series.

The inclusion of European cigarette graphics and labels from fine wines is one of the most distinctive aesthetic characteristics in his work. It also continues a tradition, established by Picasso and Braque during the heyday of Cubism, of incorporating the detritus of daily life into the artistic work. Where the Cubist’s incorporated collage into the painted canvas, Motherwell similarly developed a process of collage incorporated into print.
 
In “Harvest, with Orange Stripe,” we see the results of the new creation process, where a hybrid of lithographed print and collage would be collapsed into one print. Motherwell’s highly textured paper, seen here and in the rest of the series, would be accompanied by hand-culled found materials. 

The maquettes for the prints were first assembled as a series of collages, which Gemini’s printers then used to create working templates. These informal studies were fully documented. Each component was printed with colorfast inks and hand-torn along stencils approved by the artist. Once printed, the individual elements were coated with adhesive and unified into a single composition by running them through the press.
 
As a result of Motherwell’s close attention to his studio works during the printing process, his works in all mediums were reference points for the prints. As such, his prints retain the artistic gesture of Abstract Expressionist painting in the ripped collaged papers and heavily textured bases.

Another impression of this artwork is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.

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"Summer Light Series: Harvest, with Orange Stripe"

USA, 1973

Lithograph and collage. 

Paper: Georges Duchêne Hawthorne of Larroque handmade paper; Ernte cigarette label; gray Jeff Goodman paper; tan Jeff Goodman paper; black Arches paper

Signed "Motherwell" and numbered "Gemini II" in pencil, lower right edge

Edition: one of three Gemini G.E.L. impressions, numbered I-III

Workshop and artist chop marks, lower right corner

Published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles

Printed by Dan Freeman and Ron McPherson, assisted by Robert Knisel and Gary Reams, Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles

36"H 18.5"W (work)

39.75"H 22.25"W (framed)

Very good condition

Catalogue Raisonné: CR 146

Concordance: B 127; GGEL 480; NGA 34.7

Note: this print is on handmade paper and has deckled edges and a strong texture.