Requiem, 1992 — Fine Art

The title Requiem 1992- points to a quiet mood. Thin paint washes lie on the surface with open gaps between them. Helen Frankenthaler worked with stained colour that sinks into the ground rather than sitting on top. The marks feel loose and uneven.

The fine art print sits inside a white, wood, dark wood or black frame. Each finish gives the picture a clean line on the wall. The frame edge holds the open paint areas and keeps the edges from fading into the surround. You notice the clear border first.

It works on a narrow wall in a stairwell. From the landing you see the colour field as one quiet band, and from the bottom step the thin lines between the washes become visible. The frame finish picks up the paint tone nearby.