Rational Concepts
Malcolm Hughes
Life Story
The dynamic arrangement of lines in this abstract print has been determined by a system that Malcolm Hughes developed using the prime numbers that occur between one and twenty. The potential of using logical and mathematical processes as a structuring device was central to Hughes’ work. In 1969 he co-founded the Systems Group, bringing together artists using rational principles to experiment with a new aesthetic that spanned science, art and mathematics.
This print was created for the Rational Concepts portfolio, which included seven screen prints produced in an edition of 100, by artists associated with constructive art in England. The other artists represented in the portfolio are Norman Dilworth, Anthony Hill, Peter Lowe, Kenneth Martin, Jeffrey Steele and Gillian Wise.
Lisa Newby, June 2022
Further Reading
Tania Moore and Calvin Winner (eds.), Rhythm and Geometry: Constructivist art in Britain since 1951 (Norwich: Sainsbury Centre, 2021), p.132.
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: Rational Concepts
Born: 1977 - 1977
Accession Number: 31585
Historic Period: 20th century
Credit Line: Bequeathed by Joyce and Michael Morris, 2014
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