FROM THE ESTATE OF DR. EDMUND P. PILLSBURY. RUTH ROOT (American, b. 1967). Untitled, 2002/2003. Enamel on aluminum. 30...

Description

FROM THE ESTATE OF DR. EDMUND P. PILLSBURY

RUTH ROOT (American, b. 1967)
Untitled, 2002/2003
Enamel on aluminum
30-1/2 x 46 inches (77.5 x 116.8 cm)
Signed and dated on the reverse

PROVENANCE:
Andrew Kreps Gallery, New York, April 2003

NOTE:
Ted Pillsbury collected the vibrant geometric abstractions of Chicago-born New York artist, Ruth Root, in several genres: painting on the traditional canvas supports, paper collages, and painting with enamel on thin aluminum panels. One of the wonderful, unexpected properties of Root's work is her penchant for deviating from the rectilinear shape of the support. She allows the perimeters of her works to be curvy and rounded, which forms a visually exciting contrast to the shifting planes of more angular color they usually inscribe.

Of the works by Root in the Pillsbury collection, the enamel on aluminum is the most recent. When shown at her third solo show at the Andrew Kreps Gallery in the Spring of 2003, such works engaged the architecture of the gallery itself. As she revealed at the time of her show, the brightly colored forms push against each other to "create imagery suggestive of floor plans or walking maps of city neighborhoods; the artist likens it to 'walking from the East Village to Chelsea to Chinatown.'" These paintings mirror the density and surprise of urban living.

As one writer noted: "Root plays with traditional figure-ground relationships, creating paintings that contain no negative space, and draw on references from Ellsworth Kelly and Richard Tuttle to 19th Century silhouette cut outs. Like her previous paintings these new works do not contain negative space or foreground/background relationships. Unlike her previous paintings that included eyes that look back at the viewer, or abstractions smoking cigarettes, in this show, such anthropomorphic details have been left aside. Instead the internal workings of each painting, and its relationship to its environment, take precedence."

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.