Rational Concepts: 7 English Artists Portfolio
Jeffrey Steele
Life Story
The geometric elements in this print have been generated and arranged according to a rational systemised approach. Jeffrey Steele was a founding member of the Systems Group in 1969, a collective of artists in Britain committed to controlled and logical experimentation. In a statement accompanying this print, Steele described the relationship between the elements as being governed by ‘syntactic transformations’. This echoes the Systems Group’s interest in the dynamic possibilities of a rational visual syntax.
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, Malcolm Hughes, Anthony Hill, Peter Lowe, Kenneth Martin and Gillian Wise.
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: Rational Concepts: 7 English Artists Portfolio
Artist/Maker: Jeffrey Steele
Object Type: Paper
Accession Number: 31668
Historic Period: 20th century
Credit Line: Bequeathed by Joyce and Michael Morris, 2014
