Artwork

Letter Forms with Red

Letter Forms with Red, by Allen Sargeant, 1967
Letter Forms with Red, by Allen Sargeant, 1967

Letter Forms with Red is a print by Allen Sargeant. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Letter Forms with Red is a print featuring a prominent black letterform, resembling the letter 'X,' set against a plain white background. Two circular red shapes are nestled within the gaps of the letterform, contrasting with its sharp, angular lines.

Subject & Meaning

The subject appears to be an abstracted letter 'X,' though its distortion suggests a focus on geometric form over literal representation. The juxtaposition of hard black lines with soft red curves may explore visual tension and the interplay of contrasting elements.

Technique & Style

The print showcases a mix of geometric precision and subtle nuance, evident in the sharp edges of the black shapes and the slight shadows they cast. The bold, flat colors and contrasting textures (sharp vs. soft) characterize its modernist aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Letter Forms with Red was exhibited in 'Prints 67' at the Artist's International Association Gallery in London, from March 17 to April 13, 1967. The artist's name is not specified in the provided information.

Context

This work aligns with mid-20th-century geometric abstraction, potentially drawing parallels with artists like Sargeant, Allen, known for similar geometric print explorations.

Legacy

The work's legacy is not detailed in the provided information, though its style suggests it may contribute to the broader appreciation of geometric abstraction in printmaking.

Artist & collection

Artist

Allen Sargeant

Allen Sargeant made bold, graphic prints that play with letters and colors. Their 1967 print *Letter Forms with Red* stacks crisp black text on bright red rectangles, turning words into pure shape and energy. Though…