Artwork
Letter Forms with Red

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 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…











