Josef Albers (1888 – 1976) was a German painter, designer, theoretician, and teacher. He was born in Bottrop, Westphalia. He was professionally active in Germany and the USA. He was the husband of Anni Albers.
“When I paint, I try to develop visual articulation says, Josef Albers. “I do not think about abstraction and just as little about expression.” Josef Albers aims as an artist to challenge ideas, points of view, and even how we look at the world.
Art, he felt, is seeing, and he believed that his contemporaries had not done an excellent job of this. The reason, he says, is because they have been so individualistic. They have stuck themselves in one dominant style. Instead, Albers believed seeing demanded many presentations of the same forms to test the possibilities and reactions to each of the different colours. To prove his point, Albers chose the square series in 1949. He aimed to prove that the ongoing relationships of colour and light had unlimited possibilities in changing art’s form and meaning.
Homage to the square
All these works used the same, simple format- a series of three or four superimposed squares. By using resonant, flatly applied colours, Albers changed the square to fit various emotions. He does this by revealing the characteristics of colour, how it appears to change in different lights, and how two colours may seem to be three and three colours two. He illuminates with the juxtaposition of colours how he can make the central square leap out or drawback.
“They are juxtaposed for various and changing visual effects,” Albers says.
“They are to challenge and echo each other. Such deceptions prove that colour changes continually, with changing light shape and placement.
Background
Albers was born in 1888 in Bottrop, Germany; he received his early education in Berlin, Essen and Munich. When he was only 20, he first felt the influence of the artists Cezanne and Matisse. At the age of 32, he went to Weimar to enrol in the famous Bauhaus. He became a teacher and worked with such creative geniuses as Kandinsky, Klee, Gropius and Feininger.
The idea that technical skill is necessary appealed to Albers. For the first time, he created a course in basic design that would train artist-craftsmen for the machine art of the new industrial society. When the Bauhaus fell out of favour with the fascist government of Germany, Albers and his wife, Annie, herself a textile and fabric designer, came to The United States and accepted teaching positions at the progressive Black Mountain College in North Carolina. In his last year, he began his homage to the square. He then went to Yale University to become the chairman of the Department of Art. He retired from Yale in 1958.
Albers took exception to a highly influential artist, Piet Mondrian. Mondrian, he believed, had carried non-objective expressionism to its logical extremes. With his geometric use of squares, rectangles, and primary colours, he uses these forms as ends in themselves.
More on Color Theory
Prussian Blue in Fashion and Textiles: A Deep Dive into Design’s Most Captivating Color
The Prussian blue, a historically rich pigment, revolutionized art and textile design. From 18th-century breakthroughs to modern sustainability, its impact endures. Future innovation awaits.
Keep readingViola Grasten: A Beacon of Color and Design in the Textile World
Viola Grasten, a Finnish-Swedish textile designer, blended tradition and modernity, leaving a lasting impact on mid-20th-century Finnish and Swedish textile design.
Keep readingThe Continuous Spectrum of Light: A Deep Dive into Color and Design
This blog post delves into the significance of the continuous spectrum of light in applied and decorative arts, from historical influences to modern design applications.
Keep readingCelebrating Eszter Haraszty: A Legacy of Color and Innovation in Textile Design
Eszter Haraszty, a pioneering textile designer, transformed the industry through innovative color palettes and materials. Her legacy continues to inspire designers globally.
Keep readingExploring the Spectrum: “Color Charts: A History” Kindle Edition
“Color Charts: A History [Print Replica] Kindle Edition” by Anne Varichon immerses readers in the vibrant evolution of color categorization across centuries.
Keep readingTheo Moorman 1907-1990 Her Life and Work as an Artist Weaver – Exhibition Catalogue
Theo Moorman, a pioneering artist weaver, is celebrated in the exhibition catalogue “Theo Moorman 1907-1990,” capturing her influential career and enduring legacy.
Keep readingRua Nova do Carvalho: A Canvas of Color in Lisbon’s Heart
Rua Nova do Carvalho, also known as Pink Street in Lisbon, is a vibrant blend of history and modernity, showcasing the transformative power of design.
Keep readingArtist Toolbox: Color: A Practical Guide to Color and its Uses in Art
“Artist Toolbox: Color” is an essential guide for artists, exploring the profound impact, psychological effects, and practical application of color in art and design.
Keep readingLEGO: A Confluence of Applied and Decorative Arts
LEGO, beyond simply being a children’s toy, is highly esteemed in the applied and decorative arts for its versatility in functional design and aesthetic, replicating architectural masterpieces and creative displays.
Keep readingColour Theory: Quick Reference Guide Poster
Psychology Color is an informative poster that explores Color Theory and Color Matching, designed as Canvas Art to enhance your knowledge. These Educational Poster Canvas Wall Art Prints are perfect for decorating your Room, Bedroom, or as thoughtful Gifts. The posters are sized at 16×24 inches (40x60cm) and come unframed for your convenience.
Keep readingGlasgow School – Art & Design Term
The term “Glasgow School” refers to influential groups of artists in Glasgow, from the 1880s and into the 20th century, shaping Scottish art.
Keep readingMassimo Morozzi (b. 1941) The Visionary Pioneer of Italian Design
He created Archizoom Associati in 1968 with Andrea Branzi, Gilberto Corretti, and Paolo Deganello, which developed industrial and architectural designs and urban planning and was a notable Italian architecture practice until 1972.
Keep readingUse of the Airbrush in Industrial Design
Explore the rich history and usage of the airbrush in industrial design, tracing its impact from pioneers like Raymond Loewy to contemporary practices. Learn how the airbrush, with its ability to deliver precisely controlled sprays of paint or ink, revolutionized automobile styling and product design, providing a tangible, realistic representation of ideas. Despite the advent…
Keep readingYohji Yamamoto (b.1943) Japanese Fashion Designer
Yohji Yamamoto fashion is exemplified by ease and wearability. READ MORE about this innovative radically different Japanese Designer.
Keep readingMasters of Design: Logos & Identity
“Masters of Design: Logos & Identity” is a comprehensive guide profiling 20 renowned designers, offering real-world insights, a gallery of marks, and design principles in action.
Keep readingThe Uplifting Impact of the Colour Blue
Colour Blue has always been my favourite colour. I am in good company as blue is among the most well-liked colours. It is the least gender-specific, having equal appeal to both men and women. Blue can affect us physically. It calms and sedates, cools and aids intuition. “Good things are associated with blue, like clear…
Keep readingColour Theory Terms You Need to Know
As a web designer, my aim in studying colours is to acquire the knowledge that will enable me to use and combine them to support the purposes of the website I am building. I may use understated, muted colours for quiet and subtle sites (Corporate Website).
Keep readingYInMn blue – the new blue tone colour (repost)
I am not a natural when it comes to being able to distinguish between different shades of the same colour. It has now just become more difficult to differentiate a new shade of blue has hit a market called YinMn. Researchers named the pigment YnMn after its three elements: Yittrium (Y), Indium (In) and Manganese…
Keep readingJules Otiliski’s paintings of the 1960s – All About Colour
Warm, soft, luxuriant reds, mauves, saffron’s pinks, greens, and blues emanate in vaporous waves from each canvas of Jules Olitski’s paintings. He is well-known for his unwavering dedication to saturating his canvases with colour that is distinguished by the spray, the medium, and his use of an inclined foreshortened angle of vision, which rediscovers and…
Keep readingJohannes Itten (1888 – 1967) Swiss Designer Colour Theorist
Itten was a founding member of the Weimar Bauhaus, along with German-American painter Lyonel Feininger and German sculptor Gerhard Marcks, under the guidance of German architect Walter Gropius. TELL ME MORE
Keep readingColour – Its Impact on our Emotions
It is strongly recognised that colours have a very strong influence on our moods and emotions. As a designer, I want to influence certain physical sensations by introducing particular colours into my projects.
Keep readingShinjuku at Night – Colour Palette
After a ten days holiday in Tokyo which ended up a visual feast. I took hundreds of photos with my iPhone the colour within this is vivid and I was interested what type of colour palette I was able to extract from it. I call it Shinjuku.
Keep readingFlavours of the World: Digital Art by Omar Aqil & Povilas Daknys
Commercial illustrators are the focus, with an emphasis on related articles.
Keep readingAlbers: Interaction of Color | Design Masterwork
Albers with “Interactions of Color,” made it his life work to translate the knowledge gained from existing theories and the results from his personal research into a practical course on the action and interaction of colour.
Keep readingVictorian-Era Color Theory Manual Reissued for the First Time in 115 Years
Emily Noyes Vanderpoel’s 1901 book “Color Problems” revolutionized color theory, offering a unique and poetic approach later popularized in contemporary art departments.
Keep readingColor Theory: A Critical Introduction Kindle Edition
“Color Theory: A Critical Introduction” by Aaron Fine examines the history and meaning of color in art and design, challenging Western beliefs and addressing colonial legacy.
Keep readingAndres Gallardo’s photographs of Korean schoolyards are pastel perfections
Andres Gallardo’s latest photo series came about by accident after getting lost in Seoul, only to find himself estranged at the deserted pastel playground of a nearby school. ‘I got fascinated by their pastel colours, their trees, the symmetries and symbols… the clocks, the national flag and the alphabet,’ said photographer Andres Gallardo.
Keep readingWhy Does Modern Branding Need Bauhaus?
The impactful Bauhaus movement provides valuable lessons for modern branding, integrating art and craft, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, geometry, and sustainability to enrich brand identity and user experiences.
Keep readingThe Principles of Pretty Rooms
In “The Principles of Pretty Rooms,” interior designer Phoebe Howard shares expertise on crafting harmonious spaces through color, fabric, and elegant details.
Keep readingScandinavian Design Warm Ochre and Neutral Hues
Scandinavian design, focusing on warm ochre and neutral tones, connects to nature and the environment. It embodies minimalism, functionality, textural variety, and a respect for natural light, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and timeless elegance.
Keep readingThe Evolution of Branding in Applied and Decorative Arts
Branding has ancient origins as a mark of ownership, evolving into a symbol of identity, lifestyle, and societal values in today’s marketplace.
Keep readingExplore 5 Popular Topics on Google Arts and Culture
Google Arts and Culture offers virtual museum tours, Art Zoom for detailed art examination, Street View for street art exploration, Color Palette Explorer for understanding color in design, and high-resolution artworks for immersive experiences.
Keep readingCubism and Its Pioneers: A Look at Georges Braque
Georges Braque and Picasso co-founded Cubism, revolutionizing art in the early 20th century. Braque’s profound exploration of form and space influenced decorative arts significantly.
Keep reading“Self Portrait with Monkeys” (1943): A Colorful Design Perspective
Frida Kahlo’s “Self Portrait with Monkeys” uses masterful color juxtaposition to convey emotion, story, and depth. Rich hues, stark contrasts, and intentional placement direct viewers’ gaze, encapsulating narrative and demonstrating color theory proficiency.
Keep reading