Louise Nevelson
American, b. modern-day Ukraine, 1899-1988
Rain Zag IX, 1978
Wood with paint, 45 1/2 x 71 1/2 x 9 inches
Gift of Western College Alumnae Association, Inc.
1980.37
Influenced by the Russian Suprematism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism artists such as her mentor Hans Hofmann, Louise Nevelson’s Walls are iconic forms for which the artist is recognized. Her geometric forms are created through a random selection of wood pieces and arranging them in shallow relief. Her works have a predilection for horizontal and vertical elements. Nevelson works with forms that absorb and reflect light, creating an illusion of shadows. The personal style of her works construct non-objective compositions in high relief out of wood, and other materials painted a uniform color, usually black, white or gold.