William Scott U.K., 1913-1989
Angles Equal, 1972
Original screenprint in Blue & White , on wove paper,
Signed and dated by the artist in pencil, on recto
Signed and dated by the artist in pencil, on recto
57.4 × 77 cm
Copyright The Artist
William Scott's artwork 'Angles Equal' from 1972 is a significant piece in the artist's oeuvre, representing his mature style and artistic philosophy. With his distinctive approach to abstraction, the present...
William Scott's artwork "Angles Equal" from 1972 is a significant piece in the artist's oeuvre, representing his mature style and artistic philosophy. With his distinctive approach to abstraction, the present work features simplified geometric forms and a limited colour palette, emblematic of Scott's mature style.
By focusing on geometric relationships, Scott highlights his interest in the balance and harmony of shapes within the composition. This work demonstrates the artist’s unique position between abstraction and representation, as he often derived his abstract forms from everyday objects. "I am an abstract artist in the sense that I abstract”, he stated, “I cannot be called non-figurative while I am still interested in the modern magic of space, primitive sex forms, the sensual and the erotic, disconcerting contours, the things of life."
Created in 1972, "Angles Equal" coincides with a significant period in Scott's career. That same year, the Tate Gallery mounted a major retrospective of Scott's work, featuring over 125 paintings dating from 1938 onwards. The present artwork would have been a contemporary piece at the time of this important exhibition, representing Scott's current artistic direction. By 1972, Scott had achieved considerable international recognition. He had represented Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1958 and had exhibited widely across Europe, Japan, and North America. "Angles Equal" would have been created during this period of established success, reflecting the confidence and mastery of an artist at the height of his influence.
The present work marks a significant moment in William Scott's oeuvre. It embodies his mature style, artistic philosophy, and position as a leading figure in 20th-century British art. It showcases his ability to reduce complex forms to their essential elements. At the same time, it also reflects the culmination of his artistic journey and his significant contribution to the development of abstract art in Britain.
By focusing on geometric relationships, Scott highlights his interest in the balance and harmony of shapes within the composition. This work demonstrates the artist’s unique position between abstraction and representation, as he often derived his abstract forms from everyday objects. "I am an abstract artist in the sense that I abstract”, he stated, “I cannot be called non-figurative while I am still interested in the modern magic of space, primitive sex forms, the sensual and the erotic, disconcerting contours, the things of life."
Created in 1972, "Angles Equal" coincides with a significant period in Scott's career. That same year, the Tate Gallery mounted a major retrospective of Scott's work, featuring over 125 paintings dating from 1938 onwards. The present artwork would have been a contemporary piece at the time of this important exhibition, representing Scott's current artistic direction. By 1972, Scott had achieved considerable international recognition. He had represented Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1958 and had exhibited widely across Europe, Japan, and North America. "Angles Equal" would have been created during this period of established success, reflecting the confidence and mastery of an artist at the height of his influence.
The present work marks a significant moment in William Scott's oeuvre. It embodies his mature style, artistic philosophy, and position as a leading figure in 20th-century British art. It showcases his ability to reduce complex forms to their essential elements. At the same time, it also reflects the culmination of his artistic journey and his significant contribution to the development of abstract art in Britain.