Provenance: The Artist's Collection (The Creeks) Private Collection, Southampton, NY Borghi Fine Art Gallery, New York, NY Private Collection, Los Angeles, CA

ABOUT THE WORK

In this work that predates the conceptual forays of American artists who used words and numbers in their own works, Alfonso Ossorio announced an exhibition that took place between July 25-August 14, 1958 at the R. Keene Gallery located at 38 Main South Hampton — details that are visible — and legible — in the work. While it seems that the work is entirely functional, it’s evident that Ossorio put in much thought and consideration on the arrangement of the elements. For one, the “A” of his name provides the pinnacle to the circle of what seems to be the face of a clock created by the first “O” of his surname. As a visual shorthand, the –TH in “South” has been fused, with the H providing a clever transition to Hamptons. The white of the handwritten typeface (which has the words “Opening 6-8,” “July 25th,” “Long Island,” and “New York” embedded on bars around it) is shadowed by loose lettering whose style resembles calligraphic abstraction. This rare work, which combines form and function, resonates with the aesthetic of a master who was a player in revolutionizing post-war Modern art.