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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

Portfolio Cover for the Joy of Ornament

1980

Robert Kushner

Associated Names

Robert Kushner

Artist, American, born 1949

Crown Point Press

Publisher

The image shows a book cover with cream-colored flowers featuring red and yellow centers and green leaves on a black background. The color palette includes cream, red, yellow, green, and black. The center of the cover features a rectangular area bordered in red containing the title "THE JOY OF ORNAMENT" and the author's name "ROBERT KUSHNER" written in black uppercase letters on a cream-colored background with decorative motifs.

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Artwork overview

Medium

printed fabric with mounted Xerographic title card
Credit Line

Gift of Kathan Brown
Dimensions

Overall: 29.9 x 16.5 cm (11 3/4 x 6 1/2 in.)
overall: 29.9 x 33.7 cm (11 3/4 x 13 1/4 in.)
Accession Number

1997.8.124.21

The image shows a collection of elongated oval shapes intersected with curved lines, layered with pointed leaf-like forms that create an intricate pattern. The abstract arrangement resembles clusters of stylized flowers or decorative bulbs. Black and white contrasts with gradual grays add depth to the composition. — Vines from The Joy of Ornament

Robert Kushner, Stephen Thomas, Crown Point Press

1980

The Joy of Ornament

Robert Kushner, Crown Point Press

1980

The image displays an arrangement of bold black and white shapes and lines that create a striking contrast within a rectangular frame. The abstract design resembles overlapping petals of a flower, with curved lines creating folds and contours. The central area contains crisscross patterns reminiscent of woven fabrics, adding complexity to the floral elements. The composition showcases an interplay of form and pattern, drawing parallels to familiar botanical motifs. — Black Flowers from The Joy of Ornament

Robert Kushner, Stephen Thomas, Crown Point Press

1980

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Acquired by NGA in 1997 directly from Kathan Brown.

Associated Names

Brown, Kathan

Inscriptions

(each impression is individually signed on verso)

Wikidata ID

Q75405332

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