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Study for 1939 New York World's Fair Mural, Hall of Medical Science

A work made of oil on canvas.
© Estate of Ilya Bolotowsky/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

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  • A work made of oil on canvas.

Date:

1938–39

Artist:

Ilya Bolotowsky (American, born Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire, now Russia, 1907–1981)

About this artwork

Ilya Bolotowsky produced this abstract painting in preparation for a large-scale mural that was installed in the Hall of Medical Science at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. With its play of color and array of straight lines and gently curving forms, the work reflects the artist’s desire to create balanced, harmonious compositions. A founding member of the American Abstract Artists group in 1936, Bolotowsky and other leading artists promoted the value of nonobjective painting, including for public spaces. Fair organizers positioned the mural, along with three others by his peers, above the entryways to offer visual relief from the dense, scientific technical displays on view in the hall.

Status

On View, Gallery 262

Department

Arts of the Americas

Artist

Ilya Bolotowsky

Title

Study for 1939 New York World's Fair Mural, Hall of Medical Science

Place

United States (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

c. 1938–1939

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

76.2 × 121.9 cm (30 × 48 in.)

Credit Line

Wilson L. Mead Fund

Reference Number

1977.1

Copyright

© Estate of Ilya Bolotowsky/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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