Provenance

Pat Steir

American, 1938 - 2026

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See all 14 works of art
This painting shows thin, vertical, white lines against a dark background. The lines are denser at the top of the image but become more spread out towards the bottom. At the bottom of the painting there are also some horizontal spatters of white paint, resembling waves or frothy surf.
Pat Steir, Curtain Waterfall, 1991, oil on canvas, Gift of Barney A. Ebsworth, 1998.97.1

Curtain Waterfall

Pat Steir · 1991 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1998.97.1

The image contains various lines and shapes, including a grid-like, red-orange structure in the top section intersecting with diagonal lines. Spirals and curves in blue, pink, and yellow are scattered throughout the background. The elements create a dynamic landscape with movements and textures resembling an otherworldly terrain.
Pat Steir, The Direction of Water, 1991, color spitbite, soapground, soft-ground aquatint, and drypoint on Somerset textured paper, Gift of Crown Point Press and the Artist, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.235.16

The Direction of Water

Pat Steir · 1991 · color spitbite, soapground, soft-ground aquatint, and drypoint on Somerset textured paper ·  Accession ID  1991.235.16

The image features irregular, smeared, and overlapping shapes and lines forming an abstract scene. Various patches of lighter and darker shades create a pattern resembling clouds, waves, or fields. Some areas could be perceived as clusters of trees or bushes, with different tones suggesting clearing skies or reflections on water. The arrangement gives a sense of texture and depth, inviting the imagination to attach natural elements to the abstract forms.
Pat Steir, Rainclouds [working proof 2], 1991, spitbite, soapground, and soft-ground aquatint etching with drypoint in brown on wove paper [working proof], Gift of Crown Point Press and the Artist, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.235.26

Rainclouds [working proof 2]

Pat Steir · 1991 · spitbite, soapground, and soft-ground aquatint etching with drypoint in brown on wove paper [working proof] ·  Accession ID  1991.235.26

The image features a rectangular composition filled with various abstract shapes and lines in a teal hue. Within this abstract design, patterns and textures can be seen, with vertical lines resembling tree trunks and scattered dots possibly symbolizing leaves or raindrops. The blending and overlapping of brushstroke patterns impart a sense of depth and layered texture.
Pat Steir, Rainclouds, 1991, color spitbite, soapground and soft-ground aquatint etching with drypoint in blue-green on wove paper, Gift of Crown Point Press and the Artist, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.235.25

Rainclouds

Pat Steir · 1991 · color spitbite, soapground and soft-ground aquatint etching with drypoint in blue-green on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1991.235.25

This is a photograph of an open portfolio case with several printed works inside. The case has a dark, possibly leather or fabric finish and displays pages with abstract brush strokes and spots in red, purple, and blue, along with printed text, which might be poems or essays. The pages are neatly arranged within a lighter colored folder, contrasting with the darker case. The presentation blends visual art and written work.
Pat Steir, Anne Waldman, Brodsky Center, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, Randy Hemminghaus, Kristen Cavagnet, Alexis Myre, Cry Stall Gaze, 2013, accordion-folded illustrated book with color screenprint and photogravure on wove paper bound with red and white string, plus title page and colophon page, Gift of the Artist, 2014.10.1

Cry Stall Gaze

Pat Steir, Anne Waldman, Brodsky Center, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, Randy Hemminghaus, Kristen Cavagnet, Alexis Myre · 2013 · accordion-folded illustrated book with color screenprint and photogravure on wove paper bound with red and white string, plus title page and colophon page ·  Accession ID  2014.10.1

The image displays a variety of wavering lines and dots across the canvas, some fluid and serpentine, others abrupt and distinct, creating a dynamic composition. It features an abstract design suggesting movement, similar to a forest of reeds swaying or raindrops on a windowpane. The colors include red, gray, and occasional blue tones, creating depth and resembling an autumnal scene, with dry leaves in a breeze. Splatters and diffused patches hint at a hazy background.
Pat Steir, Beloved Ghost Waterfall/Beijing, 1990, color woodcut on Mulberry paper laid down on Somerset textured paper, Gift of Crown Point Press and the Artist, in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art, 1991.235.27

Beloved Ghost Waterfall/Beijing

Pat Steir · 1990 · color woodcut on Mulberry paper laid down on Somerset textured paper ·  Accession ID  1991.235.27

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The Direction of Water [working proof 14]

Pat Steir · 1991 · spitbite and soapground aquatint in black, gray, and pink on Somerset textured paper [working proof] ·  Accession ID  1991.235.18

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The Direction of Water [working proof 16]

Pat Steir · 1991 · spitbite, soapground aquatint in gray and red, and drypoint in red on Somerset textured paper [working proof] ·  Accession ID  1991.235.20

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The Direction of Water [working proof 20]

Pat Steir · 1991 · color spitbite, soapground, soft-ground aquatint and drypoint on Somerset textured paper [working proof] ·  Accession ID  1991.235.24

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The Direction of Water [working proof 17]

Pat Steir · 1991 · color spitbite and soapground aquatint on Somerset textured paper [working proof] ·  Accession ID  1991.235.21