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A Drawing While Waiting for an Idea

A work made of color lithograph on tan paper towel.
© 2019 Estate of James Rosenquist/Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY.

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  • A work made of color lithograph on tan paper towel.

Date:

1966

Artist:

James Rosenquist (American, born 1933)
printed by Donn Steward (American, 1921-1986)
published by Universal Limited Art Editions

About this artwork

This small print is an excellent example of the mystical turn of Rosenquist’s thought. The cigarette burns, made with an airbrush, stand for the stars on the edge of the universe, thus contrasting the insignificant with the infinite.

He chose to print on a paper towel, explaining, “It’s really Eastern philosophy. After a day’s work, you march in and wipe your hands off on a paper towel. You are wiping off the things you did all day, never knowing when your best gesture is made, when your creative ability might be showing.”

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Prints and Drawings

Artist

James Rosenquist

Title

A Drawing While Waiting for an Idea

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.

Made 1966

Medium

Color lithograph on tan paper towel

Dimensions

Image: 13.9 × 16.9 cm (5 1/2 × 6 11/16 in.); Sheet: 37.8 × 23.9 cm (14 15/16 × 9 7/16 in.)

Credit Line

U.L.A.E. Collection acquired through a challenge grant of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dittmer; purchased with funds provided by supporters of the Department of Prints and Drawings; Centennial Endowment; Margaret Fisher Endowment Fund

Reference Number

1982.869

Copyright

© 2019 Estate of James Rosenquist/Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), 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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