For the Trial # 27
Mixed media drawing on handmade paper • Signed with initials and date 'TE 97' in the lower right corner
Style & Movement
Contemporary abstract art, conceptual art, minimalism
Medium & Technique
Graphite, charcoal powder, and possibly rubbing or typewriter imprint on cream-colored textured handmade paper
Creation Period
1997
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 10 x 7 inches (sheet), vertical portrait format, window-matted and framed
Subject Description
An abstract composition featuring a dense, centralized rectangular block of dark powdered pigment and horizontal striations, evoking obscured text or manuscript fragments, surrounded by lighter margins with subtle scattered pigment dust
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good condition, exhibiting natural characteristics of handmade paper with deckled edges and consistent aging of the support
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $2,500
Provenance History
Directly from the artist's studio or contemporary gallery circuit, late 20th century private collection
Art Historical Significance
Reflects late 20th-century conceptual concerns regarding text, erasure, recording, and the materiality of support and medium, reminiscent of works by artists exploring archives and legal or literary motifs
Notable Features
Handwritten inscription in pencil along the lower left margin reading 'FOR THE TRIAL # 27' and artist initials 'TE 97' in the lower right, indicating it is part of a numbered series
Condition Issues
Minor natural toning of the paper consistent with age and medium; no significant tears, foxing, or structural damage visible
Conservation Recommendations
Preserve behind UV-filtering protective glass, maintain stable relative humidity between 45-50 percent, and avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight