DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951
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DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951

DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951

Dorothy Dehner (1901–1994) was an influential American multidisciplinary artist who worked with drawing, painting, printmaking, and most notably sculpture.

Despite her artistic contributions, Dehner's legacy was overshadowed for many years by her ex-husband, the acclaimed sculptor David Smith. Stifled by their tumultuous relationship, Dehner only fully committed to her practice after divorcing in 1951. This break was highly fruitful for her output and her reputation in the years following.

After the divorce, Dehner refined her artistic voice and expanded her practice to include printmaking and sculpture. Her new-found independence and renewed ambition led to a pivotal relationship with the esteemed printmaking studio Atelier 17. Working there she formed a close and enduring friendship with Louise Nevelson.

This impressive work on paper demonstrates Denher's distinct brand of abstraction, that is simultaneously architectural and spontaneous. An unfolding ribbon-like structure fills the picture plane in a hypnotic arrangement. The structure is given shadow and character with a monochromatic wash of Mediterranean blue. The interplay between color and form showcases Dehner's masterful command of spatial tension. Many of Dehner's best works from this period amplify the echo of Cubism in abstract expressionism. 

Monochromatic washes of sky blue amplify the depth and dimension of this piece, exemplifying the artist's masterful balance between chaos and control.

From 1948 until her passing in 1994, Dehner had over 50 solo exhibitions and completed numerous public commissions for prestigious organizations such as New York Medical College, Rockefeller Center, and the American Telephone and Telegraph Corporation.  

To learn more about Dorothy Dehner's works on paper, we recommend exploring the online holdings of her work at the National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.) and the MoMA (NYC)

Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720

Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.

“Motion” 

USA, 1951

Ink and watercolor on paper

Signed and dated lower left

20.5"H 15.75"W (work)

25.5"H 20.25"W (framed)

Framed with museum glass

Very good condition

$14,000.00
DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951
$14,000.00

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DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951 - Image 2
DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951 - Image 3
DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951 - Image 4
DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951 - Image 5
DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951 - Image 6
DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951 - Image 7

DOROTHY DEHNER “BLUE MOTION” INK AND WATERCOLOR, 1951

Dorothy Dehner (1901–1994) was an influential American multidisciplinary artist who worked with drawing, painting, printmaking, and most notably sculpture.

Despite her artistic contributions, Dehner's legacy was overshadowed for many years by her ex-husband, the acclaimed sculptor David Smith. Stifled by their tumultuous relationship, Dehner only fully committed to her practice after divorcing in 1951. This break was highly fruitful for her output and her reputation in the years following.

After the divorce, Dehner refined her artistic voice and expanded her practice to include printmaking and sculpture. Her new-found independence and renewed ambition led to a pivotal relationship with the esteemed printmaking studio Atelier 17. Working there she formed a close and enduring friendship with Louise Nevelson.

This impressive work on paper demonstrates Denher's distinct brand of abstraction, that is simultaneously architectural and spontaneous. An unfolding ribbon-like structure fills the picture plane in a hypnotic arrangement. The structure is given shadow and character with a monochromatic wash of Mediterranean blue. The interplay between color and form showcases Dehner's masterful command of spatial tension. Many of Dehner's best works from this period amplify the echo of Cubism in abstract expressionism. 

Monochromatic washes of sky blue amplify the depth and dimension of this piece, exemplifying the artist's masterful balance between chaos and control.

From 1948 until her passing in 1994, Dehner had over 50 solo exhibitions and completed numerous public commissions for prestigious organizations such as New York Medical College, Rockefeller Center, and the American Telephone and Telegraph Corporation.  

To learn more about Dorothy Dehner's works on paper, we recommend exploring the online holdings of her work at the National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.) and the MoMA (NYC)

Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720

Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.

“Motion” 

USA, 1951

Ink and watercolor on paper

Signed and dated lower left

20.5"H 15.75"W (work)

25.5"H 20.25"W (framed)

Framed with museum glass

Very good condition

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Dorothy Dehner (1901–1994) was an influential American multidisciplinary artist who worked with drawing, painting, printmaking, and most notably sculpture.

Despite her artistic contributions, Dehner's legacy was overshadowed for many years by her ex-husband, the acclaimed sculptor David Smith. Stifled by their tumultuous relationship, Dehner only fully committed to her practice after divorcing in 1951. This break was highly fruitful for her output and her reputation in the years following.

After the divorce, Dehner refined her artistic voice and expanded her practice to include printmaking and sculpture. Her new-found independence and renewed ambition led to a pivotal relationship with the esteemed printmaking studio Atelier 17. Working there she formed a close and enduring friendship with Louise Nevelson.

This impressive work on paper demonstrates Denher's distinct brand of abstraction, that is simultaneously architectural and spontaneous. An unfolding ribbon-like structure fills the picture plane in a hypnotic arrangement. The structure is given shadow and character with a monochromatic wash of Mediterranean blue. The interplay between color and form showcases Dehner's masterful command of spatial tension. Many of Dehner's best works from this period amplify the echo of Cubism in abstract expressionism. 

Monochromatic washes of sky blue amplify the depth and dimension of this piece, exemplifying the artist's masterful balance between chaos and control.

From 1948 until her passing in 1994, Dehner had over 50 solo exhibitions and completed numerous public commissions for prestigious organizations such as New York Medical College, Rockefeller Center, and the American Telephone and Telegraph Corporation.  

To learn more about Dorothy Dehner's works on paper, we recommend exploring the online holdings of her work at the National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.) and the MoMA (NYC)

Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720

Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.

“Motion” 

USA, 1951

Ink and watercolor on paper

Signed and dated lower left

20.5"H 15.75"W (work)

25.5"H 20.25"W (framed)

Framed with museum glass

Very good condition