Robert Mangold: 1979

In 1979, Robert Mangold embarked on his most ambitious etching project.  He created a series of large-scale works, each consisting of rectangles and an extended curve. For all three works, he used the same copper etching plates to create the monochrome planes.  However, for each work, Mangold arranged those three plates differently (and printed them with a different color).  Furthermore, each work has a subtle, yet distinct curve. Looking back forty years ago to the time of their creation, Mangold, characteristically succinct in remarks, has stated, “I like this trio very much.” The works, for perhaps the first time, are presented in isolation, so as to provide an ideal opportunity to compare the variations, see the mastery of form and media and take in the entire project without distraction.