Three Organic Forms 1968

Graham Sutherland's "Three Organic Forms" emerges from the ink on this lithograph. The medium itself allows for a kind of directness, where the artist's hand is immediately apparent. Sutherland was deeply influenced by the organic forms he encountered in the natural world, particularly during his time spent in the Welsh landscape. Rather than depicting these forms realistically, he transformed them into surreal, almost biomorphic shapes. The lithographic process allows for a rich range of tonal values, from deep blacks to subtle grays, enhancing the sense of depth and texture in the composition. Notice how the artist uses line and shading to suggest the volume and weight of these forms, even as they defy easy categorization. What's interesting here is the way Sutherland marries his interest in the natural world with an embrace of modern art's abstracting tendencies. He pulls the imagery away from mere representation and towards something more symbolic. The labor involved in creating lithographs would have allowed him to replicate and share his visions with a wider audience, challenging traditional hierarchies between fine art and printmaking.