About the Object
Almost a year after Crawford started the related painting Torn Signs (VF2015.05.06), he created this drawing, dated March 5, 1975. This work reveals some of the fascinating ways in which Crawford’s artistic process unfolded. Drawings related to paintings are generally perceived as a preparatory step undertaken before the painting, but—as Crawford’s exact dating makes clear—that is not the case here.
Additional Information
Our first instinct may be to connect the drawing back to the painting, but Crawford was actually looking back to the 1966 photograph. There is an overall sharpening of forms from the photograph to the drawing, especially in the center, where the “w” form and corresponding black triangle are clearer and more focused. Through the addition of a line to the right of the black conical form, Crawford imparts a sense of depth to the lettering that is not carried over from the photograph, nor does it appear in the painting.
The Artist;
By descent to the Artist’s son, John C. Crawford, Brooklyn, NY;
Jan T. and Marica Vilcek Collection, New York, NY, 2015;
Corpus Christi, TX. The Art Museum of South Texas. Masterpieces of American Modernism from the Vilcek Collection of American Art. September 13, 2018-January 6, 2019.
New York, NY. Vilcek Foundation. Ralston Crawford: Torn Signs. May 13-November 13, 2019, pp. 66, 68, ill. p. 69.
St. Peter, MN. The Hillstrom Museum of Art. Ralston Crawford: Torn Signs. September 12-November 6, 2022.