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Tony Smith — Untitled
Tony Smith

Untitled

1949

This abstract composition explores the interplay between positive and negative space through bold, undulating forms rendered in black ink on a cream colored ground. Sinuous, organic shapes flow seamlessly across the composition, creating a rhythmic pattern that challenges the viewer's perception of figure and ground. The work demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of modernist abstraction, wherein the spaces between forms become as visually significant as the forms themselves. The fluid, biomorphic quality suggests influence from both Surrealist automatism and the organic abstractions of contemporary artists.

Medium
ink on paperboard
Overall

Notes

Contemporary Day Auction, Sotheby's, sale on 2026-05-15.

🔨 Auction Lot

Contemporary Day Auction

May 15, 2026

Estimate: $8,000$12,000

For Sale

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About this work

Tony Smith, Untitled, 1949

This abstract composition explores the interplay between positive and negative space through bold, undulating forms rendered in black ink on a cream colored ground. Sinuous, organic shapes flow seamlessly across the composition, creating a rhythmic pattern that challenges the viewer's perception of figure and ground. The work demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of modernist abstraction, wherein the spaces between forms become as visually significant as the forms themselves. The fluid, biomorphic quality suggests influence from both Surrealist automatism and the organic abstractions of contemporary artists.

Medium
ink on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 21.3 x 63.2 cm
Year
1949
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Mid Century Modern, Organic Shapes, Contemporary Abstraction, Fluid Forms, Black And White, Negative Space, Rhythmic Pattern, Ink On Paper, Modernist Abstraction, Figure Ground, Biomorphic Forms, Abstract Composition

More works by Tony Smith

Collected by

Alex Capecelatro