Howard Hodgkin British, 1932-2017
Raspberry Crumble, 2015-16
Sugar-lift aquatint with hand-colouring on Velin Cuve BFK Rives Tan 280gsm paper, framed
Signed by the artist in pencil, lower right on recto
Signed by the artist in pencil, lower right on recto
36.0 x 42.0 cm
© The Estate of Howard Hodgkin
'Raspberry Crumble' is a vibrant and evocative piece that exemplifies the artist's unique approach to abstract expressionism. Created as part of his final series of limited editions titled 'After All,'...
"Raspberry Crumble" is a vibrant and evocative piece that exemplifies the artist's unique approach to abstract expressionism. Created as part of his final series of limited editions titled "After All," this artwork showcases the artist's mastery of colour, gesture, and emotion.
The present work is a hand-painted sugar-lift aquatint; Hodgkin's technique involves printing the plate in a mix of Violet Solferino, Burnt Sienna, and Zinc White, then hand-painting with a blend of Titanium White and Pyrrole Red, as well as a combination of Diarylide Yellow and Vat Orange. This meticulous process results in a visually striking, deeply textured work that is unique within the edition.
The inspiration for "Raspberry Crumble" stems from Hodgkin's interest in capturing everyday experiences and transforming them into powerful visual metaphors. The title evokes the simple pleasure of enjoying a favourite dessert, suggesting that the artwork may be an abstract representation of this sensory experience. Hodgkin's ability to translate such mundane moments into compelling visual art speaks to his talent for finding beauty and significance in the ordinary.
Hodgkin's series "After All", including Raspberry Crumble, has been likened to a collection of Haiku poems, each speaking to a particular time and place using the language of colour, gesture, and form. This series reflects the artist's boldness, intensity, and willingness to display raw emotion, serving as a poignant tribute to life.
"Raspberry Crumble" exemplifies Hodgkin's late-career style, characterised by vivid colours, gestural abstractions, and a push against the boundaries of traditional painting. The artwork's emotive power and ability to evoke a specific experience through abstract means demonstrate why Hodgkin is considered one of his generation's most important British artists. As part of his final series, "Raspberry Crumble" stands as a testament to Hodgkin's enduring creativity and his unique ability to translate the essence of human experiences into compelling visual art.
The present work is a hand-painted sugar-lift aquatint; Hodgkin's technique involves printing the plate in a mix of Violet Solferino, Burnt Sienna, and Zinc White, then hand-painting with a blend of Titanium White and Pyrrole Red, as well as a combination of Diarylide Yellow and Vat Orange. This meticulous process results in a visually striking, deeply textured work that is unique within the edition.
The inspiration for "Raspberry Crumble" stems from Hodgkin's interest in capturing everyday experiences and transforming them into powerful visual metaphors. The title evokes the simple pleasure of enjoying a favourite dessert, suggesting that the artwork may be an abstract representation of this sensory experience. Hodgkin's ability to translate such mundane moments into compelling visual art speaks to his talent for finding beauty and significance in the ordinary.
Hodgkin's series "After All", including Raspberry Crumble, has been likened to a collection of Haiku poems, each speaking to a particular time and place using the language of colour, gesture, and form. This series reflects the artist's boldness, intensity, and willingness to display raw emotion, serving as a poignant tribute to life.
"Raspberry Crumble" exemplifies Hodgkin's late-career style, characterised by vivid colours, gestural abstractions, and a push against the boundaries of traditional painting. The artwork's emotive power and ability to evoke a specific experience through abstract means demonstrate why Hodgkin is considered one of his generation's most important British artists. As part of his final series, "Raspberry Crumble" stands as a testament to Hodgkin's enduring creativity and his unique ability to translate the essence of human experiences into compelling visual art.
