Grid Composition with Prismatic Columns
Original print or gouache painting on heavy paper • Attributed to Yaacov Agam (born 1928), or an artist working in his immediate circle/style
Style & Movement
Op Art / Kinetic Art / Geometric Abstraction; specifically the 'Agamograph' style of visual transformation
Medium & Technique
Screenprint (serigraph) or gouache; characterized by flat application of color and precise geometric edges
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970–1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches; Landscape format, presented in a matted frame
Subject Description
A complex non-representational composition consisting of vertical columns of varying widths. It features a rhythmic interplay of pixelated grids, triangles, and solid color blocks in a vibrant palette of secondary and primary colors, evoking a sense of optical movement.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the colors remain saturated and the paper appears flat, though there is potential light-strike from the proximity to a window.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $2,500 USD (depending on whether it is a signed limited edition print or an original gouache work)
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery specializing in Op Art or Modern prints; the lower right signature suggests a professional editions workshop.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as an example of the post-war interest in optical phenomena and mathematical beauty. Works in this vein explore the relationship between the viewer's movement and the perception of static color, a hallmark of 20th-century Kineticism.
Notable Features
Includes a visible signature in the lower right (appears to be 'Agam'); the composition uses a vertical-linear 'scansion' effect that creates different visual patterns depending on the angle of view.
Condition Issues
Visible glare from glass suggests it is not UV-protected; potential for minor edge yellowing or 'foxing' hidden under the matting; risk of fading due to direct light exposure.
Conservation Recommendations
Relocate away from direct sunlight; swap existing glass for Museum Grade UV-filtering acrylic; ensure use of acid-free archival mounting materials.