Karl Kasten

American, 1916 - 2010

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The image shows distinct geometric shapes and irregular lines on a red background. Overlapping rectangles in various shades of red, textured patterns, circular elements, straight white lines, and key-like shapes create a layered composition. The artwork balances flat colors and textured details.
Karl Kasten, In the First Place, 1969, color collograph on wove paper, Gift of Bob Stana and Tom Judy, 2018.143.30

In the First Place

Karl Kasten · 1969 · color collograph on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2018.143.30

The image features rectangular and linear shapes, with a thick horizontal line in the upper part. The artwork consists of layered blocks and lines resembling architectural elements or weathered wood. Textures imitate stone or brickwork, alongside vertical streaks resembling draped fabric or runny paint. The abstract composition suggests fragmented cityscapes or storied surfaces in urban environments.
Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute, Ostia, 1968, lithograph (stone) in gray on uncalendered Rives paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.63

Ostia

Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (stone) in gray on uncalendered Rives paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.63

The image displays rectangular and square shapes arranged in a grid pattern. The design consists of various lines and patterns filling the shapes. In the upper section of the image, there is a large rectangle with horizontal lines. Among the smaller squares, one shows the number "68" and another depicts a silhouette of a person walking. Other squares contain leaf-like motifs and vertical lines. A star is placed near the walking figure.
Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute, Star, 1968, lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.64

Star

Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.64

The image consists of rectangular and triangular shapes, with blues and browns. The left side has rectangles and the right side features a prominent triangular shape. The central rectangular region resembles a wooden plank. The triangular shape has concentric lines, while a decorated square has circular and floral motifs. The overall composition forms a geometric pattern suggesting architectural elements or floor tiles.
Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute, Urbino, 1968, lithograph (zinc and stone) in two blues and brownon calendered Rives paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.61

Urbino

Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (zinc and stone) in two blues and brownon calendered Rives paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.61

The image features geometric shapes and organic lines, creating an abstract composition. There is a triangular shape overlaid with the silhouette of a fern, appearing like a nature element encased in a stone. Below, the image is divided into three rectangular sections with textured surfaces, resembling weathered walls or eroded landscapes. The abstraction suggests a contrast between nature and man-made structures, alluding to the coexistence of plant life with buildings or pavements.
Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute, Civitavecchia II, 1968, lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.53

Civitavecchia II

Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (stone) in black on uncalendered Rives paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.53

The image shows a central vertical line extending horizontally to create an abstract form resembling a stylized tree. Circular shapes of different sizes are connected along the branches, resembling coins or medallions. Below the tree-like structure, a rectangular section is divided into textured squares, evoking the appearance of soil. Rectangular zones with parallel lines are located on each side of the tree and below, suggesting the horizon or distant fields. The composition connects to familiar objects such as a coin-adorned tree or plant rooted in a textured earth-like surface.
Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute, Aborum Dinarii, 1968, lithograph (stone) in brown-gold on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.66

Aborum Dinarii

Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (stone) in brown-gold on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.66

The image displays geometric shapes and lines in an abstract arrangement, featuring rectangles and squares of different sizes. The top part shows a textured, cloud-like pattern. Below, the shapes form a patchwork reminiscent of fields with colors like blue, green, and yellow. A white diagonal shape cuts through the center, resembling a road or path. The use of color and form suggests an aerial landscape.
Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute, Parma, 1968, lithograph (aluminum and stone) in yellow, blue and brown on German Etching paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.65

Parma

Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (aluminum and stone) in yellow, blue and brown on German Etching paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.65

The image consists of a geometric composition with rectangular sections forming a grid-like structure. It includes an oval shape, a silhouette of a person moving, and an angular form. There is a figure resembling a basketball player with the number '44' and another figure in a dress. The composition also has textured patterns and resembles a comic strip or storyboard. Each element contributes to a narrative.
Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute, Purple Egg, 1968, lithograph (aluminum and stone) in dark brown and blue-silver on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.62

Purple Egg

Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (aluminum and stone) in dark brown and blue-silver on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.62

The image shows rectangles and squares intersected by a diagonal white line on a background of muted colors. The shapes create a grid-like window with a silhouette resembling a vase in front of it. Brown and green areas suggest earthy textures, while a blue segment may represent water or sky, creating an interplay of geometric forms hinting at an abstract landscape.
Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute, Amalfi, 1968, lithograph (aluminum and stone) in blue, brown-orange and transparent black on calendered Rives paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.58

Amalfi

Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (aluminum and stone) in blue, brown-orange and transparent black on calendered Rives paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.58

The image shows an abstract composition with a large black shape dominating the lower part of the canvas. This shape extends upward and transitions into a rounded, tree-like form made of various oval and circular shapes. The ovals and circles resemble stones or cells grouped together, creating a dynamic pattern. On the right side, there is a grid of geometric shapes, including a large circle intersected by lines.
Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute, Lebanon, 1968, lithograph (stone) in black on natural Nacre, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.54

Lebanon

Karl Kasten, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (stone) in black on natural Nacre ·  Accession ID  1984.34.54