Sophie. 1993.
Acrylic on panel.
Several times monogrammed, one upon the other, and dated on the reverse, as well as with a label, there typographically titled. 50 : 35,3 cm (19,6 : 13,8 in). From 1989 Imi Knoebel concentrated entirely on colour as such. To avoid being distracted by formal issues, he opted for a five-part schema within a rectangle that remained constant and can be reminiscent of a stylised face. The extensive Grace Kelly series followed that schema and was succeeded between 1991 and 1995 by the Portraits series in a smaller format but with a considerably broader colour range which was continually enlarged by additively mixing subtle colour gradations. What is at stake here is not the portrayal of real sitters but rather the overarching idea of portraiture; the choice and interplay of colours has replaced facial individuality. [NB]

PROVENIENZ: Private collection South Germany.

In good condition. Lower side edge minimally rubbed.