Untitled (From the Greek Suite)
Artist
Aris Koutroulis
(American, 1938-2013)
Date1978
MediumLithograph in color
DimensionsPaper Size: 29 × 22 1/2 in. (73.7 × 57.2 cm)
ClassificationsPrint
Object numberUAC2755
DescriptionThis painting consists of dripped paint that has been run down a canvas from the middle with a tilted white square of linen superimposed on top of it. The colors, when they are used, are primary reds and yellows, with dark patches of black. In spite of its simplistic first impression, this work has some visual similarities to the work White on White by Kasimir Malevich, a russian avant-garde artist in the 1920’s. White on White like Untitled, shows a white canvas with a white square, though there is no color save the different hues in the white used, while Koutroulis adds not only color but randomness in his dripping paint. In this way there is a callback to the history of art in this piece and the recognition of the past minimalist style, but the mold is broken by the addition of the random element literally bleeding through into the space of the paintingAris Koutroulis (1938-2013), born in Athens, Greece, moved to the United States where he attended school at Louisiana University in 1961. Working in the post-war era Aris is counted among the American contemporary art scene, as well as being a teacher of art from 1964 to 1999. He taught and worked in Michigan primarily, earning his masters degree while teaching at the Cranbrook Academy of Art before moving to Wayne State University to head the Lithography Workshop. His artwork can be found in many collections, including those of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Museum of Modern Art, and National Gallery in Washington D.C..
Written by Alex Heath
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