Authority (page from Black Book), 1989
Screenprint with Ink on smooth wove paper
From edition of 350
350 22¾ by 15⅞ in 578 by 405 mm
Christopher Wool's "Authority (page from Black Book)" (1989) is a powerful example of his signature "Black Book" series. This series deconstructs language, transforming everyday words into bold graphic statements.
Here, the word "Authority" is stenciled in a monumental black font, dominating the stark white canvas. The piece resonates with the legacy of Pop Art, utilizing everyday language but with a distinctly Neo-Expressionist edge.
The large, impersonal stencil typeface imbues "Authority" with a sense of power and imposition. Is it a declaration of control, a demand for obedience, or a more subtle critique of power structures? The stark black and white composition offers no easy answers, mirroring the complexities of authority itself. Is it a force for order or a potential instrument of oppression? By isolating the word, Wool elevates it from a noun to a a potent symbol, inviting viewers to confront the historical and social weight associated with "Authority."
Never framed. This work has been stored in its original portfolio case since printing. Provenance Sotheby's
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Christopher Wool
