Robert Motherwell (American, 1915-1991) 'Oy / Yo', 1978 Aquatinit, soft ground etching in colors with collage on Buff Rives BFK paper and black Ingres paper Edition 65/78 (In addition to 10 Artist's Proofs) Pencil signed and numbered lower right With blindstamp of the artist Published by Brooke Alexander, New York Printed by Catherine Mosley Literature: Dedalus CR 277, Engberg & Banach 227
‘Oy/Yo’ is classic Motherwell; an imposing black form, that resembles a thick brushstroke, is set against a dense field of color. Neutral colors, such as this rich ochre background and the sand colored paper, are frequently used by Motherwell to amplify the black shapes and strokes in his compositions. Text makes frequent appearances in Motherwell's prints, especially during the 1970's. Contrary to works were Motherwell includes fragments of maps, cigarette packages and wine labels, here the faint, red text on the central black form, that says “Oy/Yo” was hand-scratched on to the plate. The addition of text is a unique anomaly, a noticeable departure from Motherwell’s typical inclusion of words or sayings.
