Join The Collection to save, track, and explore works like this.

Tom Phillips — Complete Colour Check For The Year Mcmlxxi Arranged In Order Of Change (above) And Choice (below)
Tom Phillips

Complete Colour Check For The Year Mcmlxxi Arranged In Order Of Change (above) And Choice (below)

1971

A meticulously ordered grid of colour swatches painted in oil on canvas, this work by Tom Phillips documents and catalogues every colour used throughout the year 1971, arranged according to two distinct systems of organisation. The upper half sequences the colours by the order in which they changed, while the lower half reflects the artist's personal choices, transforming an analytical record into a meditation on artistic decision-making. The piece exemplifies Phillips' conceptual approach, blurring the boundaries between systematic documentation and painterly expression.

Medium
oil on canvas

🔨 Auction Lot

New Now

April 6, 2017

Start the Discussion

Request access to join the discussion

About this work

Tom Phillips, Complete Colour Check For The Year Mcmlxxi Arranged In Order Of Change (above) And Choice (below), 1971

A meticulously ordered grid of colour swatches painted in oil on canvas, this work by Tom Phillips documents and catalogues every colour used throughout the year 1971, arranged according to two distinct systems of organisation. The upper half sequences the colours by the order in which they changed, while the lower half reflects the artist's personal choices, transforming an analytical record into a meditation on artistic decision-making. The piece exemplifies Phillips' conceptual approach, blurring the boundaries between systematic documentation and painterly expression.

Medium
oil on canvas
Year
1971
Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

Analytical Mood, 20th Century, Male Artist, Cool Tones, Grid Format, Conceptual Art, British Artist, Contemporary Artist, Color Theory, Geometric Abstraction, Systematic Art, Late 20th Century, Neutral Tones, Systematic Painting, Abstract, Text-Based Art, Oil on Canvas

More works by Tom Phillips