JOSEF ALBERS (1888-1976)

One of 50 copies printed by Carl Purlington Rollins. German-born American abstract artist, color theorist and teacher Josef Albers was one of the original teachers in the German Bauhaus. He produced this portfolio of 80 color folders to demonstrate that "a color has many faces." Albers arranged the sample studies to present a series of subtle relationships much like those he explored in his own paintings. Among the principles he sought to illustrate were reversed grounds, transparencies, space and vibrating boundaries. In the accompanying text, Albers explained that since "color deceives continually" he developed this experimental way to study and teach color through a series of practical exercises. Albers, who taught at Yale and lectured widely, combined the careers of teacher and painter so that his paintings demonstrate his theories and his theories draw upon his discoveries in design and color.