Construction in Colours
Jean Leppien
Life Story
The lively interaction of line and flat colour in this print is typical of Jean Leppien’s use of geometric abstraction to achieve an expressive rhythm in his work. Leppien initially trained at the Bauhaus in Dessau in 1929-30 with Josef Albers, Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee, before emigrating to France. In the postwar period Leppien’s work centred on translating a mood or state of mind into pure form and colour. He exhibited his paintings regularly with abstract artists associated with the Salon des Réalités Nouvelles in Paris. Leppien is recognised as a leading figure in the development of geometric abstraction in France.
Lisa Newby, June 2022
Provenance
In October 1984, the University of East Anglia accepted a planned bequest from Joyce and Michael Morris (UEA Alumni). Michael died in 2009 and Joyce in December 2014 when the couple's wishes were implemented.
Not on display
Title/Description: Construction in Colours
Artist/Maker: Jean Leppien
Born: 1954
Object Type: Print
Accession Number: 31577
Historic Period: 20th century
Credit Line: Bequeathed by Joyce and Michael Morris, 2014
