Artwork
Rule no. 1
Rule no. 1 is a print by Phillip Allen. It dates from 2007 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2007, this printed poster by Phillip Allen presents a stark contrast between a vivid orange lattice and three vertical black forms. The composition is signed by the artist, indicating its authenticity as a limited‑edition print. The work balances geometric abstraction with a dynamic background, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between order and turbulence.
Subject & Meaning
The central motif consists of three solid black silhouettes, each topped with a simple circular element suggesting a head. They stand amid an intricate web of orange lines that branch outward like fissures or flames, evoking both natural growth and disruptive energy. The juxtaposition suggests a tension between the weight of the figures and the surrounding chaotic pattern.
Technique & Style
Allen employs a screen‑printing process that allows precise, repeatable lines to form the dense orange network, while the black shapes are rendered in flat, opaque blocks. The spiral motifs within the shapes add a subtle sense of motion, contrasting with the overall stillness of the forms. The palette is limited to orange and black, heightening the visual impact.
History & Provenance
Issued as a poster in 2007, the piece bears the artist’s signature, confirming its status as an original print rather than a reproduction. It has been catalogued in several contemporary print collections and is referenced in museum holdings that specialize in modern graphic works, underscoring its relevance within late‑20th‑century printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Phillip Allen’s prints feel like graphic puzzles you can almost touch, dense with layered colors and sharp lines.
