Josef Albers | Passion, Optimism, and Happiness

---

Curatorial Statement 

“In visual perception, a thing is never seen as it really is” Josef Albers

Color is the most contrasting opulence within creation, varying from how it is applied, what it is applied to, which lighting is surrounding it and what other colors are in proximity, all influencing its appeal to your eye. Josef Albers writes, “In visual perception a color is almost never seen as it really is – as it physically is. This fact makes color the most relative medium in art.”

Exploring color with geometric abstraction, color theorist Josef Albers concluded color was best studied through experience. He began creating his iconic squares in the 1950s producing paintings of three or four vibrant colors where the overlaying of colors changes the viewer’s perspective of each color and heightens their differences. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artists most important color and shape theories. Red is representative of passion; orange is optimism and yellow happiness. These are the main colors of autumn leaves that slowly fall to the ground on the light winds ending the season. All leaves are unique in color and shape; however, this uniqueness quickly gives way as more leaves fall creating a patchwork of complimentary colors just as Albers accomplishes with his colors and geometric abstraction. 

Curated by G. Natasha Ramirez 

A copy of the colophon bearing Albers’ hand-signature and the edition number is included with artwork.

Credit: The Interaction of Color (1963).