Mel Bochner Thank You, 2018  begins with the ubiquitous phrase we utter every day: Thank you! The simple exclamation is then repeated with slight variations, exploring the many standard and trite ways we show gratitude. Through the bold and textural repetition, the meaning of the words and the phrase itself morphs into something beyond what we’re used to. As the viewer gets to the irreverent last line “THANKS AGAIN!!!”, the humor and visual richness of the piece fully sinks in and one can’t help but begin reading the piece from the top, forgetting a little more the de jure literal weigh of the words and instead enjoying their relief silhouettes, the satisfying richness of the paint peaks on their surface, and the contrast of the shiny pigment with the fibrous and matte hand-made paper. The color palette of the piece stands in juxtaposition with the neat sans serif font of the letters. Rich pinks, glowing oranges, and cool blues shine and melt together, both discordant and exuberant, at times camouflaging the text and at times making it pop with a cheerful boldnesss. The unique beauty of Bochner’s monoprints lies in his masterful marriage of language and representation, exploring the connections and limitations of words and imagery, challenging linguistic meaning and definitions of painting.

Created in 2018, this monoprint with collage, engraving and embossment on hand-dyed Twinrocker handmade paper is hand signed and dated by Mel Bochner (Pittsburgh, 1940 - ) in the lower right. Mel Bochner Thank You, 2018 is a unique and original work.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Mel Bochner Thank You, 2018 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final sale of the work):

1. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Mel Bochner Thank you, 2018 is presented in a complementary moulding.