Irregular Vertical and Horizontal Bands of Color Superimposed - Sol LeWitt

A dynamic abstract work by Sol LeWitt, featuring a dense, hand-drawn grid of overlapping coloured bands in gouache.

Sol LeWitt is widely recognised for his systematic approach to art, where the concept behind the work takes precedence over the final execution. This piece, from his later period, demonstrates a departure from the rigid, geometric structures that defined his earlier career. Instead, it features a series of hand-drawn, irregular bands that intersect across the surface of the paper. The composition relies on the layering of primary and secondary colours. By superimposing these bands, LeWitt creates a dense, woven effect that occupies the entire visual field. The lines are not perfectly straight, which introduces a human, gestural quality to the work. This contrasts with his earlier wall drawings, which were often executed by assistants following precise, written instructions. The colour palette is balanced, utilising a mix of red, yellow, blue, black, and white. These bands overlap to create new visual relationships, where the opacity of the gouache allows for subtle interactions between the layers. The work functions as a study of colour and movement, where the repetition of the bands creates a rhythmic, almost musical quality. It avoids traditional perspective, remaining flat and focused on the surface plane. This approach invites the viewer to observe the construction of the image, layer by layer, rather than searching for a representational subject. The work is a clear example of LeWitt's interest in the possibilities of simple, repetitive actions to generate complex visual outcomes.