
Abraham Walkowitz Russian-American, 1878-1965
5.25 x 6.75 in
Provenance
Estate of the Artist;Beth Urdang Gallery;
Acquired from the above by the present owner;
In 'Untitled Abstraction' 1932, Walkowitz creates a dark intense composition. He maps out geometric shapes and creates a striking image, dominated by areas of sharp contrast. India ink ensures a bold and graphic quality; deep blacks are juxtaposed with the lighter tones of the exposed page. This considered balance of negative space enhances the starkness of the geometric forms and creates a dramatic mood. The viewer is immersed in a dynamic, almost architectural space, showcasing Walkowitz’s skill in balancing abstraction with a sense of structure and rhythm.
The eye first focuses on the smaller black circles and triangles that anchor the composition, then gradually notices the more subtle features of the work, the delicately layered grey lines that softly wave and curve over a translucent wash of ink below. These markings create a structured yet fluid sense of movement. Though purely abstract, the composition subtly evokes the feeling of urban life, reflecting Walkowitz’s continued interest in the constantly evolving modern world.