Giorgio Griffa

Segni orizzontali

1975

In Tate Modern

Materials and Objects: Expanded Painting

Free entry

Artist: Giorgio Griffa born 1936
Medium: Acrylic paint on canvas
Dimensions: Support: 1930 x 1490 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Purchased with funds provided by the Tate Americas Foundation, courtesy of Shabin and Nadir Mohamed 2013
Reference: T13890

Display caption

Griffa emphasises the physical qualities of his paintings. Rather than the usual practice of stretching the canvas on a wooden frame, he nails it directly to the wall. His paintings are folded during storage so when they are opened out for display a grid of creases is visible. This results in an interplay between the folds and the painted lines. The rows of repetitive brushstrokes record the process of painting. But there are subtle variations in Griffa’s paint application and a harmonious sequence of colours develops from one line to the next.

Gallery label, January 2019

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