Evidence III
Artist
Aris Koutroulis
(American, 1938-2013)
Date1971
MediumLithograph in color
DimensionsPaper Size: 22 × 30 in. (55.9 × 76.2 cm)
ClassificationsPrint
Object numberUAC2756
DescriptionThis lithograph, a print made by using oil and water to transfer ink from an original design onto multiple other pieces of paper, is a very active image. While two or three lines of color span the middle of the picture, it is almost as if the ink was thrown on or dropped as to splash out in all directions. The way that the drips group up suggests that they were added later, but the effect is still that of movement and action.Aris Koutroulis taught a lithography workshop at Wayne State University in the 1970s when this work was produced, and was lauded for his clear instruction and demystification of the process to his students. He was influenced strongly by the work of the abstract expressionists, those who worked in New York in the 1950’s. The particular influence of Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko can be seen in the splattering and chaos, as well as the interest in color and layering that were of interest to each artist respectively.
Aris 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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