Morning Haze

Location: 250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

This artwork is not open to the public

About the work

Morning Haze is a paradigm of Nevelson’s visual language and printmaking practice. Using the technique of cast paper, whereby paper fibre or pulp is formed into a mold, the result is an impressive dimensional relief. The striking shapes and features of the work have Nevelson’s signature arrangements, forms and texture. This rare work is completed in a pure dry white. The lightness creates soft shadows on the surface, accentuating and elevating Nevelson’s mysterious shapes and meticulous composition from the background. According to Nevelson, the color white “summoned the early morning and emotional promise” - hence the title Morning Haze.

Not only is monochromatic white a rarity for Nevelson, but this diptych is the largest paper pulp work she ever created.

Morning Haze, 1978

Cast paper relief, on two sheets of handmade paper pulp

33 ½ in x 45 ½ in

About Al Held

Louise Nevelson (September 23, 1899 – April 17, 1988) was an American sculptor known for her monumental, monochromatic, wooden wall pieces and outdoor sculptures. Born in the Poltava Governorate of the Russian Empire (present-day Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine), she emigrated with her family to the United States in the early 20th century. A student of Hans Hofmann and Chaim Gross, Nevelson experimented with early conceptual art using found objects, and dabbled in painting and printing before dedicating her lifework to sculpture. Usually created out of wood, her sculptures appear puzzle-like, with multiple intricately cut pieces placed into wall sculptures or independently standing pieces, often 3-D. Like many of her contemporaries, Nevelson expanded her practice by exploring different branches of printmaking. As a printmaker Nevelson was particularly curious, consistently experimenting with different techniques and materials.