Abstract Composition with Netting
Mixed media on paper; deckle-edged heavy-weight paper • Modern school; signed 'Moreno' (possibly Latin American or Spanish contemporary school)
Style & Movement
Abstract Expressionism / Contemporary Mixed Media
Medium & Technique
Watercolor, gouache, and applied physical netting (textile). Techniques include wet-on-wet washes, dry brush applications, and mixed media assemblage.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (circa 1980-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches; vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A non-objective abstract composition featuring a contrast between deep indigo/violet washes and negative space. A red physical net is superimposed over the surface, creating a literal and metaphorical 'trap' or layer of texture, possibly symbolizing entanglement or the sea.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; the primary artwork shows good color retention, but the mounting and matting exhibit significant environmental damage.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $700
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a regional gallery or private collection. No visible exhibition labels.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 20th-century experimentation with texture and three-dimensionality in paper-based works, following the tradition of informalism and materia painting.
Notable Features
Bold vertical signature 'Moreno' in black ink; three-dimensional red mesh netting stitched or adhered to the paper surface; deckle edge of the paper is preserved and visible.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing and brown spotting on the pink outer matting. Potential acid transfer from the mat to the paper edges. The paper appears wavy due to humidity changes (cockling).
Conservation Recommendations
Immediate removal from the acidic mount and mat. Deacidification treatment and rematting with archival, acid-free museum board. UV-protective glazing is recommended.