Lee Bontecou

American, 1931-2022

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This is a sculpture-like painting of a textured and structured canvas with an oval aperture. The artwork consists of a canvas that has been constructed in a three-dimensional manner, featuring an oval-shaped indentation or hole in its center. The surface of the canvas appears to be beige or brownish, stretched across the frame and seemingly sewn or patched together with visible stitches, revealing an underlying structure. Along its edges and over the surface, there is an intricate, web-like assemblage of wires and fabric strips suggesting a rugged and tactile quality.
Lee Bontecou, Untitled, 1960, metal and canvas relief, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Carl S. Gewirz, 1992.52.1

Untitled

Lee Bontecou · 1960 · metal and canvas relief ·  Accession ID  1992.52.1

The image displays flowing, curved lines and shapes in an abstract composition. The lines interweave and overlap, suggesting motion. The shapes hint at swirling motion, with a moon or circular form present. The overall effect is dynamic, resembling natural movement.
Lee Bontecou, Keith Brintzenhofe, Universal Limited Art Editions, Study for Untitled Print (White on Black), 1979-1982, lithograph in white on black wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, Mary E. Maxwell Fund, 2001), 2015.19.3194

Study for Untitled Print (White on Black)

Lee Bontecou, Keith Brintzenhofe, Universal Limited Art Editions · 1979-1982 · lithograph in white on black wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3194

The image shows swirling lines and geometric shapes creating an abstract composition. Circular forms intersect with elongated curves and jagged patterns, resembling a complex structure. The design conveys movement and depth, suggesting a celestial or aquatic entity with features akin to rings and thrusters. The abstract artwork invites comparisons to technology and nature, blending elements that could be seen as a cosmic journey or underwater exploration.
Lee Bontecou, Styria Studio, Experiments in Art and Technology, Untitled, 1973, color screenprint on wove paper, Gift of Robert Rauschenberg, 1976.66.1

Untitled

Lee Bontecou, Styria Studio, Experiments in Art and Technology · 1973 · color screenprint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1976.66.1

The image displays swirling lines and circular shapes in an intricate and abstract design. The central figure resembles an eye surrounded by elliptical rings and other geometric forms. The composition includes additional elliptical shapes and sharp, pointed extensions.
Lee Bontecou, Styria Studio, Experiments in Art and Technology, Untitled, 1973, screenprint in black and silver on wove paper, Gift of Bob Stana and Tom Judy, 2015.115.1

Untitled

Lee Bontecou, Styria Studio, Experiments in Art and Technology · 1973 · screenprint in black and silver on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.115.1

Blank piece of vertically oriented tan paper.
Various Artists, Lee Bontecou, Robert C. Breer, John Chamberlain, Walter De Maria, Mark di Suvero, Jim Dine, Dan Flavin, Öyvind Fahlström, Red Grooms, Hans Haacke, Alex Hay, Donald Judd, Ellsworth Kelly, Sol LeWitt, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Morris, Louise Nevelson, Kenneth Noland, Claes Oldenburg, Nam June Paik, Robert Rauschenberg, Larry Rivers, James Rosenquist, George Segal, Richard Serra, Keith Sonnier, Richard Peter Stankiewicz, Cy Twombly, Robert Whitman, Andy Warhol, Styria Studio, Experiments in Art and Technology, The New York Collection for Stockholm Portfolio, 1973, portfolio of thirty prints in various media on various papers, Gift of Robert Rauschenberg, 1976.66.1-30

The New York Collection for Stockholm Portfolio

Various Artists, Lee Bontecou, Robert C. Breer, John Chamberlain, Walter De Maria, Mark di Suvero, Jim Dine, Dan Flavin, Öyvind Fahlström, Red Grooms, Hans Haacke, Alex Hay, Donald Judd, Ellsworth Kelly, Sol LeWitt, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Morris, Louise Nevelson, Kenneth Noland, Claes Oldenburg, Nam June Paik, Robert Rauschenberg, Larry Rivers, James Rosenquist, George Segal, Richard Serra, Keith Sonnier, Richard Peter Stankiewicz, Cy Twombly, Robert Whitman, Andy Warhol, Styria Studio, Experiments in Art and Technology · 1973 · portfolio of thirty prints in various media on various papers ·  Accession ID  1976.66.1-30

The image includes horizontal lines of varying thickness intersecting and overlapping to create an abstract composition. Within these bands, there are repeated circular shapes resembling eyes and mouths.
Lee Bontecou, Untitled, 1972, graphite on prepared wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Gift of William H. G. FitzGerald, Desmond FitzGerald, and B. Francis Saul II, 1978), 2015.19.2708

Untitled

Lee Bontecou · 1972 · graphite on prepared wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.2708

A series of rounded, petal-like shapes are arranged in a circular pattern around a central form, creating an abstract flower-like figure. The central part has a symmetrical design resembling an ornate button or knob. The shapes are detailed with shading, suggesting metallic surfaces and rivets connecting to a cylindrical form at the base.
Lee Bontecou, Tenth Stone, 1968, lithograph, Gift of the Woodward Foundation, Washington, D.C., 1976.56.8

Tenth Stone

Lee Bontecou · 1968 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  1976.56.8

The image shows a series of curved lines and elliptical shapes intersecting with horizontal and vertical elements, creating an abstract composition. The central form has smooth, rounded edges and a segmented pattern. Surrounding elements have grid-like patterns and features that could be interpreted as vents or windows. Shading is used to add depth and a sense of three-dimensionality.
Lee Bontecou, Frank Akers, Universal Limited Art Editions, Thirteenth Stone, 1966-1970, lithograph on wove paper, Gift of Werner H. and Sarah-Ann Kramarsky, 1993.22.1

Thirteenth Stone

Lee Bontecou, Frank Akers, Universal Limited Art Editions · 1966-1970 · lithograph on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1993.22.1

The image displays a series of curved and sweeping lines intersecting in an intricately layered composition. The abstract shapes suggest waves or sails against a soft backdrop. Light and shadow convey a sense of movement, like clouds or seas. Gradients and forms allow for various interpretations, inviting the viewer to make personal connections.
Lee Bontecou, Untitled, 1966, soot and graphite on paper, Gift of the Woodward Foundation, Washington, D.C., 1976.56.7

Untitled

Lee Bontecou · 1966 · soot and graphite on paper ·  Accession ID  1976.56.7

The image features elongated horizontal lines intersecting with bold circular shapes in the center. The abstract artwork resembles a futuristic mechanism or a stylized waterway system. The central circles are akin to concentric rings, reminiscent of gears or portholes of a submarine. They contrast with the linear elements suggesting sleek lines of a vehicle's body or a bridge. Shading is used to enhance depth and add a sense of dimension, creating an intricate and symmetrical design.
Lee Bontecou, Abstract Black and White, 1965, painting in soot, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Olga Hirshhorn, 1995), 2015.19.204

Abstract Black and White

Lee Bontecou · 1965 · painting in soot ·  Accession ID  2015.19.204