Artwork
Ampersand
Ampersand is a drawing by Chryssa (Vardea-Mavromichali). It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMus.
About this work
She focused on how symbols grab attention—like metal signs outside or bright neon words at night.
Chryssa’s 1964 drawing shows a single, bold ampersand in black ink. The symbol floats in white space, thick and wire-like, with sharp edges. It looks almost 3D, like neon bent into a curve.
Chryssa loved letters and signs. She studied in San Francisco and New York. She focused on how symbols grab attention—like metal signs outside or bright neon words at night.
Her work reminds me of Cy Twombly’s scribbled letters. Check out more of hers at the Museum of Ethnography.
Overview
Ampersand is a 1964 drawing by Chryssa, featuring a single ampersand symbol rendered in bold black ink.
Subject & Meaning
The work explores the visual potential of a single letter or symbol, in this case the ampersand, isolating it from its usual context to examine its form and presence.
Technique & Style
The ampersand is depicted in a thick, wire-like style with sharp edges, giving it a three-dimensional appearance reminiscent of neon signage.
History & Provenance
Chryssa created Ampersand during a period when she was experimenting with letters and symbols, having recently moved to New York City and become fascinated with urban signage and communication.
Context
Chryssa's work from this period, including Ampersand, reflects her interest in the visual language of urban environments, including neon signs and other forms of typographic signage.
Artist & collection
Artist
Chryssa Vardea-Mavromichali (Greek: Χρυσά Βαρδέα-Μαυρομιχάλη; December 31, 1933 – December 23, 2013) was a Greek American artist who worked in a wide variety of media.
Museum
Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMus
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