Trietto 4 (SFE 077RC) 1991

Sam Francis made this color screenprint called "Trietto 4" sometime during his career as an established abstract expressionist painter. Francis was associated with the second generation of abstract expressionists, who, in the post-war period, challenged the established artistic norms, questioning traditional representation and exploring the emotional and psychological dimensions of art. His work emphasizes spontaneous, gestural marks and intense color, reflecting the cultural shifts towards individualism, freedom, and a fascination with the subconscious mind. The print invites us to consider the role of art institutions in shaping artistic expression. Did the market-driven demand for prints influence Francis to create a readily accessible work that was still experimental? Archival research into Francis's relationship with printmaking workshops and galleries would shed light on these questions. Ultimately, the print reminds us that art is made within broader social, economic, and institutional contexts.