Jan Stussy (American, 1921-1990), Kim's Other Decision, 1970 Color Lithograph
Jan Stussy (1921-1990) was an American painter, printmaker, filmmaker, and longtime UCLA professor whose work remained centered on the human figure. His figures are often distorted or compressed, with sharply drawn faces and awkward postures used to suggest anxiety, isolation, or strained relationships rather than conventional portraiture. Stussy taught painting and drawing at UCLA for more than four decades and emphasized the study of anatomy, regularly taking students to observe dissections at the university’s medical school. He also co-produced Gravity Is My Enemy, which received the 1978 Academy Award for Documentary Short Subject. His work is represented in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art.
Kim’s Other Decision, 1970, is a color lithograph printed in black, violet and gray on white wove paper. The composition presents a frontal female figure against a nearly solid dark field, with an enlarged pale face divided by fine linear cracks and an expansive violet coiffure. Her dark high-necked garment gives way to a densely patterned lace bodice articulated through repeated scallops, grids and looping forms. Inscribed in graphite “TAMARIND IMPRESSION” lower left, denoting an impression retained by the Tamarind Lithography Workshop, and titled, signed and dated “Kim’s Other Decision / J Stussy ’70” lower right. Tamarind blindstamp near the lower edge. Sheet measures approximately 30 x 22.25 inches. Overall fair appearance. The sheet shows toning and handling, with remnants of mounting tape along the upper edge verso. A substantial branching tear extends inward from the lower right edge through the printed field, with associated creasing and lifting; a smaller tear and crease appear at the lower left corner. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
30 x 22.25 in
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Jan Stussy (1921-1990) was an American painter, printmaker, filmmaker, and longtime UCLA professor whose work remained centered on the human figure. His figures are often distorted or compressed, with sharply drawn faces and awkward postures used to suggest anxiety, isolation, or strained relationships rather than conventional portraiture. Stussy taught painting and drawing at UCLA for more than four decades and emphasized the study of anatomy, regularly taking students to observe dissections at the university’s medical school. He also co-produced Gravity Is My Enemy, which received the 1978 Academy Award for Documentary Short Subject. His work is represented in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Gallery of Art.
Kim’s Other Decision, 1970, is a color lithograph printed in black, violet and gray on white wove paper. The composition presents a frontal female figure against a nearly solid dark field, with an enlarged pale face divided by fine linear cracks and an expansive violet coiffure. Her dark high-necked garment gives way to a densely patterned lace bodice articulated through repeated scallops, grids and looping forms. Inscribed in graphite “TAMARIND IMPRESSION” lower left, denoting an impression retained by the Tamarind Lithography Workshop, and titled, signed and dated “Kim’s Other Decision / J Stussy ’70” lower right. Tamarind blindstamp near the lower edge. Sheet measures approximately 30 x 22.25 inches. Overall fair appearance. The sheet shows toning and handling, with remnants of mounting tape along the upper edge verso. A substantial branching tear extends inward from the lower right edge through the printed field, with associated creasing and lifting; a smaller tear and crease appear at the lower left corner. Provenance of Martin and Enid Gleich.
Condition
Please review the photos for a complete understanding of condition.
Dimensions
30 x 22.25 in
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
