Ynez Johnston

American, 1920 - 2019

Explore selected works

See all 44 works of art
The image shows various shapes and lines intersecting each other. The abstract composition features zigzags, spirals, and bold strokes. There are elements resembling eyes or architectural structures within the chaotic landscape.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.768

Untitled

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.768

The image depicts a collection of jagged and curvilinear lines interwoven with various geometric shapes to create an abstract composition. Some parts of the image resemble houses with pointed roofs and stepped pathways, while other sections suggest face-like figures with eye and mouth-like shapes. The elements are densely packed and layered, creating a chaotic urban landscape intertwined with surreal forms.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.769

Untitled

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.769

The image shows an arrangement of irregular and jagged lines and shapes scattered across the canvas. These forms resemble a cityscape or architectural structures, with patterns and symbols interspersed throughout. The lines and edges blend into the background, creating a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere, partially obscured as if by mist or smoke. In the center, there is a text block framed by imaginative shapes resembling mountains or hills at different heights.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Principalities (Colophon), 1966, lithograph (stone) in brown on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.737.13

Principalities (Colophon)

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in brown on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.737.13

The image displays irregular fragmented shapes resembling architecture pieces such as houses and towers in an abstract style. Some shapes form rough disjointed lines connecting them, reminiscent of an urban skyline. The visual composition connects these shapes to familiar residential and city buildings, although distorted and stylized, evoking an abstract cityscape. The shapes are interspersed among printed text on the page, blending structured form with freeform creativity.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Principalities X, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.737.12

Principalities X

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.737.12

The image features abstract shapes and lines forming a silhouette reminiscent of a cityscape or maze. Within this dark shape are white, linear designs resembling buildings and rooftops. Bold, stylized text is displayed in the light background, with additional abstract shapes hinting at building-like forms below. The composition suggests an urban map viewed from above, with abstract elements adding whimsy and complexity.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Principalities III, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.737.5

Principalities III

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.737.5

The image displays an arrangement of abstract shapes and jagged, uneven lines suggesting a chaotic scene. Among the lines, a house-like structure with a triangular roof can be seen, alongside elements resembling fragmented fences or ladders. Red and black colors against a white background enhance the abstract nature, creating a sense of disorder and complexity. The sporadic appearance of these elements hints at a world where familiar structures are deconstructed and reshaped into new, unexpected forms.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Principalities IX, 1966, lithograph (stone) in red and black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.737.11

Principalities IX

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in red and black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.737.11

The image displays irregular shapes and lines in bold black and muted orange tones. The shapes are unique and scattered around the canvas, creating an abstract composition. The use of color and form evokes architectural sketches, and patterns integrated into the shapes resemble building facades or roofs.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Principalities VI, 1966, lithograph (stone) in ochre and black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.737.8

Principalities VI

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in ochre and black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.737.8

The image shows bold, irregular lines and shapes creating an abstract pattern. The arrangement resembles a map or cityscape, with some sections suggesting houses or buildings. A prominent tower shape is seen on the right, akin to a clock tower. Various areas contain text, resembling notices or signs. The overall composition suggests a bustling, densely populated area through the use of dark, expressive lines and intricate detailing.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Principalities II, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.737.4

Principalities II

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.737.4

The image shows a black and white abstract shape with jagged edges and irregular lines. Inside the shape, there are intricate, maze-like patterns and fragmented forms resembling structures like castles, towers, and gates. Surrounding the abstract composition is text reinforcing ideas of rule and inheritance, resonating with themes of lost royalty and grandeur.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Principalities I, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.737.3

Principalities I

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.737.3

The image shows interconnected and overlapping shapes and lines creating an abstract composition. The shapes resemble architectural elements like fragmented buildings. The lines suggest movement, resembling structures of a village or cityscape. The layout evokes urban landscapes or imaginative terrains. Below the drawing, there is text resembling poetic prose.
Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute, Principalities VII, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.737.9

Principalities VII

Ynez Johnston, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.737.9