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Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Dance of Life

1966

George Earl Ortman

Associated Names

George Ortman

Artist, American, 1926 - 2015

Tamarind Institute

Publisher

The image shows a pattern of shapes and lines arranged symmetrically, with a central focus on diamonds and arrows. It is an abstract design featuring diamond shapes framing circles, wavy lines, and cross-like figures resembling mosaic tiles. The visual elements include arrows pointing inward, repetitive circular patterns, and textured edges on triangles and circles that suggest brush strokes or etched engravings.

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Artwork overview

Medium

lithograph (stone) in black on German Etching paper
Credit Line

Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith
Dimensions

sheet: 66.1 x 46 cm (26 x 18 1/8 in.)
Accession Number

1984.34.481.9

The image contains a series of geometric shapes and lines arranged in a symmetrical and repeating pattern. It showcases triangles, circles, and diamond shapes in a vertically mirrored design. Rectangular frames composed of textured lines are present, resembling a plus symbol. Concentric circles and triangular forms paired with diamond shapes are arranged in a structured format. — Oaxaca

George Ortman, Tamarind Institute

1966

This is an image of a title page of a lithograph collection. The image shows the word "OAXACA" in bold black capital letters near the top center. Below it are the words "LITHOGRAPHS BY GEORGE ORTMAN" in a smaller font size. The background is textured and appears to be white or light gray. — Oaxaca

George Ortman, Tamarind Institute

1966

The image features bold geometric shapes and lines, creating an abstract symmetry. At the center, a column of diamond shapes in dark brown extends vertically, flanked by circular elements with concentric circles. Above and below, large triangular forms suggest pointed arrows, while textured squares enclosing smaller squares with a cross inside are present. The overall design is framed by horizontal stripes at the top and bottom. — Oaxaca

George Ortman, Tamarind Institute

1966

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1989

Devon, Marjorie, and Peter Walch. Catalogue Raisonné: Tamarind Lithography Workshop, Inc., 1960-1970. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Art Museum, 1989, no. 1672III.

Inscriptions

across bottom in graphite: Tamarind Impression / Dance of Life / George Ortman; lower left in graphite: GEP / 1672 State III

Markings

BS: Tamarind (T.1), Smith (T.41)

Wikidata ID

Q74062439

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