Tschacbasov (1899-1984)
Intaglio Prints and Works on Paper
May 5 through May 28, 2007

"Four Muses", 1946, Detail: Central figures. P.O.R.

In the decade following Tschacbasov’s notoriety as a WPA era painter, he embraced printmaking as a tool to free himself from the figurative boundaries of depicting societal issues. Through his association in 1944 with Stanley William Hayter at the printmaking workshop, Atelier 17, Tschacbasov was introduced to the ideology of one’s hand serving as a vehicle to express subconscious images. This freedom of expression led to Tschacbasov’s signature style as an abstract surrealist painter. He boldly incorporated unconventional elements including chicken wire, sandpaper and rope in the acid-resist plate-making process. His innovative approach to intaglio printmaking combined multiple etching, engraving and aquatint techniques in a mode akin to sculpting in bas relief.

In 1947, his dealer, Klaus Perls (Perls Galleries, NYC), published two deluxe fabric-covered leather bound portfolios each showcasing twelve limited edition prints; one portfolio featured color printed images, the other of etching/ aquatints printed in black. The portfolios received much critical acclaim. "The Patriarch" image, from the black and white portfolio, was selected by Carl Zigrosser as one of the "Prints of the Year" in the 1948 Art News Annual. Tschacbasov’s etchings remain unique within the corpus of American mid 20th Century printmaking. They bridge the gap between American representational traditions and the nascent years of abstract expressionism.

Bravura is proud to present highlights from the iconic Perls portfolios along with several unique artist proofs, later published prints, plus drawings, scratchboards and painted works on paper that illuminate Tschacbasov's prescient vision.