Untitled (#1118) - George Sugarman

A striking abstract lithograph by George Sugarman, featuring bold gestural strokes and geometric forms in black, red, and crimson.

George Sugarman, an American sculptor and painter, is recognised for his departure from the static forms of mid-century modernism. While he is often associated with his polychrome sculptures that occupy physical space, his two-dimensional works, such as this lithograph, reveal a similar preoccupation with the relationship between form, colour, and the surrounding void. The composition is defined by a deliberate economy of marks. A bold, black, C-shaped stroke anchors the left side of the paper, providing a heavy visual weight that contrasts with the lighter, more fluid red line on the right. Above the red curve sits a solid, dark crimson shape, which introduces a geometric tension to the otherwise gestural arrangement.

Sugarman often explored how shapes could interact without relying on traditional perspective. In this work, the white space is not merely a background but an active participant in the composition. The interaction between the black, red, and crimson elements creates a sense of balance that feels both spontaneous and calculated. His approach to printmaking mirrors his sculptural practice, where he sought to break down the boundaries of the object. By isolating these primary forms, Sugarman invites the viewer to consider the physical presence of the marks themselves. The texture of the ink, visible in the brush-like application of the pigment, adds a tactile quality to the print. This piece captures the spirit of 1960s American abstraction, where artists moved away from representational imagery to focus on the fundamental properties of line and colour. It is a study in spatial dynamics, demonstrating how simple, non-representational shapes can generate a sense of movement and equilibrium on a flat surface.