Untitled, from the Olive Press Print Portfolio II: 1992–1993
Artist/Maker
David Diao
(American, born in China, b. 1943)
Date1992
MediumSilkscreen
DimensionsImage: 22 1/2 × 38 1/4 in. (57.2 × 97.2 cm)
Sheet: 30 1/8 × 42 in. (76.5 × 106.7 cm)
Sheet: 30 1/8 × 42 in. (76.5 × 106.7 cm)
Credit LineGift of Olive Press, Cornell University
Edition31/48
PortfolioOlive Press Print Portfolio II: 1992–1993
Object number1999.9.8
Status
Not on viewHere David Diao documented the complete artistic output of painter Barnett Newman, arranging the data into vertical columns by medium and date. Newman was a major figure of Abstract Expressionism known for his “zip” paintings, a term he coined that refers to a signature motif of thin painted stripes spanning the vertical height of a canvas, meant to draw the viewer into an intensely physical and emotional experience.
Diao began making works that catalogued and sequenced Newman’s oeuvre after reading that Newman created only 120 zip paintings in total. In this print, Diao appropriated Newman’s iconic compositions, arranging the data into chronological columns that ironically mimic zips. By replacing Newman’s zips with mechanical lists of numbers, Diao overturned and demystified Newman’s awe-inspiring paintings.
ProvenanceVictor Kord, Ithaca, NY; by gift 1999 to Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OHExhibition History
Diao began making works that catalogued and sequenced Newman’s oeuvre after reading that Newman created only 120 zip paintings in total. In this print, Diao appropriated Newman’s iconic compositions, arranging the data into chronological columns that ironically mimic zips. By replacing Newman’s zips with mechanical lists of numbers, Diao overturned and demystified Newman’s awe-inspiring paintings.
Centripetal/Centrifugal: Calibrating an Asian American Art
- Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (February 5, 2019 - May 26, 2019 )
Collections
- Modern & Contemporary
The AMAM continually researches its collection and updates its records with new findings.
We welcome additional information and suggestions for improvement. Please email us at AMAMcurator@oberlin.edu.
We welcome additional information and suggestions for improvement. Please email us at AMAMcurator@oberlin.edu.