Accession Number
1981/2.188

Title
Untitled

Artist(s)
Alan Shields

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1971

Medium & Support
mixed media with lithography on paper

Dimensions
26 1/8 in x 26 1/4 in (66.36 cm x 66.68 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Eugene K. Collins

Subject matter
Alan Shields began his artistic career towards the end of the Minimalist movement of the 1960s. He quickly became well known for his vibrant colors, unique combinations of media, and experimental techniques. Often creating three-dimensional paintings which incorporated various unconventional materials and sewn elements, Shields' work drew inspiration from celestial imagery such as constellations and mandalas. In this double-sided work, these influences are incorporated in the geometric patterns the artist has sewn into the work. Geometric shapes appear to be floating in abstracted space and alternate dimensions, giving this work the ethereal and mystical quality for which he is known.

Physical Description
This work is a double sided, mixed-media creation. One side is dominated by a large grey form in the shape of an upside down house. At the top, brightly colored strips of paper are woven into the grey area. The lower half of the background is a bright yellow and deep purple. Around the edges, geometric squares and circles of red, orange, green, and blue have been stamped in ink. Thin lines form circular and hexagonal shapes in the lower corners as well. The reverse side shows a black and grey checkerboard pattern, overlaid with geometric shapes in the upper portion in blues, oranges, yellows, reds, and greens. There are also dark semi-circles forming a border around the image. Stitching cuts across the work, in a large "U" shape, reach down towards the bottom of edge of the work.

Primary Object Classification
Mixed Media

Additional Object Classification(s)
Print

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
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Keywords
abstraction
celestial
geometric patterns
geometric shapes
mixed media
modern and contemporary art