Inclinasions (1-5-71) by József Molnár

Inclinasions (1-5-71)

József Molnár

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“This drawing, with its vibrant felt-tip pen lines over graphite, captures a moment of artistic experimentation in the early 1970s, showcasing a move towards abstract form and bold color.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

Bold lines of blue, green, and red felt-tip pen crisscross this ivory paper, creating a dynamic, almost architectural composition. The title, "Inclinasions (1-5-71)," suggests a date, January 5, 1971, and hints at the leaning or slanting forms that dominate the drawing. These vibrant, almost neon colors are layered over subtle graphite marks, which peek through in places, providing a ghost of an underlying structure. The felt-tip pen, a relatively new medium in the early 1970s, allowed for a directness and intensity of color that differentiates this work from Molnár's earlier, more traditional paintings. This piece reflects a significant shift in artistic practice during a period of experimentation, moving away from representation towards an exploration of pure form and line.

DETAILS
Artist
József Molnár
Medium
Blue, green, and red felt-tip pen over graphite on ivory wove paper
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
50.8 × 50.2 cm (20 × 19 13/16 in.)
Collection
Prints and Drawings
Culture
Hungary
Credit line
Gift of the Irving Stenn, Jr. Family
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Inclinasions (1-5-71)
01

Look closely at the faint graphite lines beneath the felt-tip pen.

02

Notice how the blue, green, and red lines overlap and intersect.

03

Observe the precise, almost mechanical quality of the felt-tip lines.

04

See how the colors create a sense of depth and movement on the flat paper.

AUDIO DEEP DIVE

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THE ARTIST

József Molnár

1821–1899 · Hungary

József Molnár was a Hungarian painter known for his landscapes and historical scenes, who also spent time painting portraits in Stuttgart.

Read Molnár’s full story
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