Rho I

From the museum

Referring to his studio as his “laboratory,” Jack Whitten experimented with tools and materials to create abstract artworks in response to social, political, and technological issues shaping his world. In 1970, he created the “Developer,” a rakelike wooden device he variously modified with serrated combs, metal blades, and squeegees, among other components. For Rho I, Whitten laid the canvas on his studio floor, covering it with thick coats of paint. He then pulled the Developer across the surface, revealing underlying layers as well as an impression of the studio floor and any scrap materials that may have been left or placed beneath the canvas. This is part of Whitten’s “Greek Alphabet” series where he completely removed color from his works to see how black and white can work together—both artistically and politically.

The museum’s own description, in English. Licence: CC0