Print of the Day!! Tues, Jan 2, 2024 is by Edmond Casarella (1920-1996). "Behind the Eight Ball"; color paper relief, 1960, proof (edition of 10)

Print of the Day!! Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Is by AbEx printmaker Edmond Casarella (1920-1996).

"Behind the Eight Ball" is a color relief print, a paper relief, done in 1960 by American Abstract Expressionist printmaker Edmond Casarella (1920-1996). The image measures 15-1/8 x 22 inches. This impression is pencil signed, dated, and annotated "Proof" by the artist in the lower margin. It was commissioned by Business Week to illustrate its "Business America". It was printed by the artist in his studio in an edition of 10, plus a couple proofs, on a sheet of antique-white laid Asian paper that measures 19 x 28 inches. A reference for this image is "Woodcuts of Fifteen American Ciities from the Business Week Collection", illustrated, page 27. The gallery inventory number for this work is NC174.

This rare abstract Modernist woodcut by printmaker Edmond Casarella (1920-1996) is available from the gallery for purchase.

Shipping costs will be discussed. California residents will have sales tax added. Out of state residents may be responsible for use tax, depending on state law. Time payments can be arranged. Contact the gallery for any condition or other questions.

This Modernist image, a rare proof – outside the small edition of 10 impressions - was commissioned by 'Business Week' magazine to be reproduced in a limited edition book of 3000, published in 1963 by McGraw-Hill to illustrate its "Business America" series. The publication was titled "WOODCUTS of Fifteen American Cities From the Business Week Collection." It promoted "Business / New Patron of the Arts" with a forward noting business patronage over the years and commenting "From 1960-1962. Business Week commissioned fourteen prominent woodcut artists to illustrate its 'Business America' series." Casarella created two images that were published.

Casarella was an early practitioner of the Paper Relief print, such as this composition, starting in 1949. Using shapes cut from chipboard and illustration board he built up the surface of a plate, which was printed by hand as a relief. By peeling, sanding, scraping and carving the cardboard elements he is able to achieve a composition that looks both spontaneous and gestural. A description of this technique can be found on page 154 of "The Stamp of Impulse - Abstract Expressionist Prints" by David Acton, Worcester Museum, 2001.

Casarella created three color blockprints using his innovative paper relief method (technically not all 'woodcuts') for the series, one for Denver and the other two for Detroit, from which this image was selected. "Detroit" was illustrated in a full-color reproduction on page 27 of the publication WOODCUTS of Fifteen American Cities From the Business Week Collection.

"Behind the Eight Ball", a loose depiction of the eight cylinder engine, was a tribute to the city of Detroit – described as the: "Free Wheeling City of Brains and Brawn. Detroit...The Motor Capital. Birthplace of mass production. Home of the transportation titans who have put America on wheels."

The other 13 printmakers included were: William Bond, Robert Conover, Werner Drewes, David Glines, Max Kahn, Jacob Landau, Paul/Eugene Larkin, George Lockwood, Samuel Maiten, Frederick Marvin, Doris Seidler, Carol Summers, and Earl Thollander

Edmond Casarella's studio not only accommodated a printing press but the tools and space needed for the creation of his sculptures. As such, he had on hand a variety of implements that lent themselves to his experiments with printmaking techniques, and in the modernist composition "Behind the Eight Ball" the viewer can witness this process in the vairous patterns applied to the block and hand printed.

Only a certain kind of artist will try to wrestle the unembellished composition of an engine onto a sheet of paper or a canvas, and be successful in its portrayal. It is an unforgiving subject whose beauty is shrouded in the weight and violence of its use.

To purchase this work, see other works, or read a biography for Edmond Casarella use this link to our website: https://www.annexgalleries.com/inventory/artist/375/Casarella/Edmond

Use this link to view our complete inventory on our website: https://www.annexgalleries.com/inventory/artist/