FRANK STELLA (1936-2024)
Ain Ghazal Variation
relief, woodcut and lithograph in colors with hand-coloring in acrylic, on TGL hand-colored paper, 1999, signed and dated in pencil, annotated 'Collage Workprint' (a working proof aside from the edition of eight unique variants plus four artist's proofs), published by Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Mount Kisco, New York, the full sheet, in good condition, framed
Sheet: 64 x 49 in. (1626 x 1245 mm.)

Axsom 259

From 1999-2001, inspired by his travels and the writings of James Mellaart, Stella returned to the subject of ancient urban centers in the Fertile Crescent—Ain Ghazal, Nemrik, Abu Hureyra and Ganji Dareh. Out of these studies came a series of mixed-media cast aluminum reliefs, often with integrated ceramics, and a series of prints with intaglio and relief. The artist took Ain Ghazal further, integrating hand-coloring. The present lot is a unique working proof aside from an edition of eight unique works. The red-dyed handmade paper serves as a distinctive upper and lower border, framing the artist's collage and hand-worked elements.