John Grillo

American, 1917 - 2014

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The image features geometric shapes, including circles and triangles, arranged within a circular frame, against a textured background with radiating brush strokes. The artwork displays various shaded and cross-hatched areas, evoking a cosmic map or celestial diagram. The lines and grids among the shapes suggest an otherworldly dashboard or mythical compass.
John Grillo, Untitled, 1974, charcoal and graphite with acrylic on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Gift of William H. G. FitzGerald, Desmond FitzGerald, and B. Francis Saul II), 2015.19.2729

Untitled

John Grillo · 1974 · charcoal and graphite with acrylic on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.2729

The image shows a large rectangular shape with fine horizontal and vertical lines creating an abstract pattern. The surface has a fabric-like texture similar to burlap or linen, with an earthy tone. The overall appearance is minimalist and focuses solely on texture and simplicity.
John Grillo, Tamarind Institute, Illuminations of Time and Space, 1964, portfolio w/ 10 color lithographs (stone and zinc) including title page and colophon on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.560.1-10

Illuminations of Time and Space

John Grillo, Tamarind Institute · 1964 · portfolio w/ 10 color lithographs (stone and zinc) including title page and colophon on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.560.1-10

The image displays bold, sweeping lines and shapes in deep maroon, creating an abstract composition. The forms blend into each other with varying textures. The central area is less saturated, revealing a more chaotic pattern resembling a splatter effect.
John Grillo, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1964, lithograph (stone) in violet-brown on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.560.6

Untitled

John Grillo, Tamarind Institute · 1964 · lithograph (stone) in violet-brown on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.560.6

This abstract artwork features a mix of circular shapes and swirling lines. The most prominent element is a large, textured red circle in the bottom left corner. Surrounding it are smaller orange and dark blue circles. Wispy cloud-like formations of deep blue are in the top right corner. The background is a blend of brown, blue, and orange hues with splashes and splatters.
John Grillo, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1964, lithograph (zinc) in red, orange, blue-green and dark blue on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.570

Untitled

John Grillo, Tamarind Institute · 1964 · lithograph (zinc) in red, orange, blue-green and dark blue on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.570

The image shows an abstract composition created with curved and angular lines, along with sweeping brush strokes. The shapes may be reminiscent of familiar objects like intertwined loops resembling an ampersand or a figure-8. The artwork utilizes contrasting colors and textures to create associations with flowing ribbons or overlapping waves.
John Grillo, Tamarind Institute, Illuminations of Time and Space IV, 1964, lithograph (stone and zinc) in blue, gray and dark violet-brown on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.560.4

Illuminations of Time and Space IV

John Grillo, Tamarind Institute · 1964 · lithograph (stone and zinc) in blue, gray and dark violet-brown on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.560.4

The image contains swirling shapes and bold strokes of black and white, with a central piece of handwriting. The abstract arrangement includes rounded forms and textured lines. On the right side, a cluster of circles, some filled with crosshatching patterns, are present. The central area features handwritten text over a textured background.
John Grillo, Tamarind Institute, Illuminations of Time and Space X (Colophon), 1964, lithograph (zinc) in black and violet on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.560.10

Illuminations of Time and Space X (Colophon)

John Grillo, Tamarind Institute · 1964 · lithograph (zinc) in black and violet on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.560.10

The image shows irregular shapes and swirling lines in shades of black and white. Circular forms are central, surrounded by textured patches and overlapping dark rectangles. The artwork includes arcs and straight lines reminiscent of a fragmented landscape or chaotic maps.
John Grillo, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1964, lithograph (zinc) in black on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.574

Untitled

John Grillo, Tamarind Institute · 1964 · lithograph (zinc) in black on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.574

The image displays bold, flowing lines and shapes in an abstract composition with yellow and black coloring. The words "illumination," "time," and "space" are handwritten across the upper portion. Circular forms near the center resemble celestial bodies or planetary orbs, while adjacent splatters and strokes suggest cosmic dust or nebular clouds. The word "Grillo" appears at the bottom in a cursive form, resembling a signature or brand mark.
John Grillo, Tamarind Institute, Illuminations of Time and Space I (Title Page), 1964, lithograph (stone and zinc) in yellow and brown on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.560.1

Illuminations of Time and Space I (Title Page)

John Grillo, Tamarind Institute · 1964 · lithograph (stone and zinc) in yellow and brown on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.560.1

This image features bold brushstrokes, sweeping curves, textured patches, and organic forms that intersect to create a complex interplay of lines and shapes. The composition suggests familiar objects like the profile of a face or the surface texture of stone, although these are fragmented and obscured. Rich, deep tones dominate the piece, contributing to the overall impression of a dynamic, textured landscape.
John Grillo, Tamarind Institute, Illuminations of Time and Space VIII, 1964, lithograph (zinc) in dark blue-green on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.560.8

Illuminations of Time and Space VIII

John Grillo, Tamarind Institute · 1964 · lithograph (zinc) in dark blue-green on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.560.8

The image contains bold, irregular shapes and lines in a singular warm hue. The central shape resembles an elongated oval or an oversized brushstroke. The edges of the shape blend into the background. Hints of texture on the surface could remind one of the rough skin of a peach or the subtle surface details of a planet's terrain.
John Grillo, Tamarind Institute, Illuminations of Time and Space III, 1964, lithograph (stone and zinc) in orange and red on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.560.3

Illuminations of Time and Space III

John Grillo, Tamarind Institute · 1964 · lithograph (stone and zinc) in orange and red on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.560.3