Explosive Composition (Likely associated with the 'A' Series)
Graphic print on paper, likely a serigraph (silkscreen) or lithograph • Attributed to or in the style of Corita Kent (Sister Corita) or a contemporary graphic designer/typographer such as Milton Glaser or Paul Rand.
Style & Movement
Graphic Modernism / Pop Art influence. The piece blends typography with Abstract Expressionist energy through hard-edge minimalism.
Medium & Technique
Black ink on cream-toned paper. The technique uses hard-edge stencil or screen printing to achieve high-contrast, flat black geometric forms.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1970–1990
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 24 inches (framed) in a square format.
Subject Description
An abstract, deconstructed letterform (resembling a stylized capital 'A') that appears to be shattering or exploding. Sharp, sickle-like fragments and starburst shapes fly upward from a central, architectural core, suggesting momentum and transformation.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paper appears flat without visible buckling, though there is a slight warm toning consistent with light exposure or aging of paper stock.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $1,200
Auction Estimate
$250 - $600
Provenance History
Unknown. The professional framing suggests it was likely purchased through a commercial gallery or art publisher in an urban market during the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
The work reflects the mid-to-late 20th-century trend of utilizing commercial graphic design principles in fine art. It represents the transition from static typography to dynamic, expressive abstraction that was popular in both advertising and social activism art during the era.
Notable Features
The piece is characterized by its tension between the rigid geometry of the bottom half and the organic, chaotic movement of the top half. The use of a thin 'floating' frame or shadow box matting enhances the modernist aesthetic.
Condition Issues
Possible minor fading (UV light exposure) or acid transfer from a non-archival mat. Minor reflections on glass suggest standard glazing rather than museum-quality AR glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials and UV-protective glazing. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further yellowing of the paper or fading of the black pigments.