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Red Form

Irene Rice Pereira

Red Form

1938-1939

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Red Form

Irene Rice Pereira

Red Form

Irene Rice Pereira

Red Form

1938-1939

Physical Qualities Paint on glass and board, Framed: 17 1/4 × 14 13/16 in. (43.8 × 37.6 cm.) Unframed: 10 1/2 × 8 in. (26.7 × 20.3 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of Michael and Anis Merson, Baltimore
Object Number 2010.44
This small work—with its reverse-painted glass layered above the painted panel beneath—embodies several of Irene Pereira’s artistic interests, including her appreciation for the geometric, abstract shapes associated with the aesthetic of the Bauhaus design school in Germany. Pereira often explored space and perception, as well as different materials: note how the shadows cast by the painted glass shift as you move back and forth. Though the title seems misleading, the painted panel underneath is composed of bright shapes including a central dark red form (see photo below), but the overlay of blue-painted glass cools those tones into harmonies of purples, blues, and greens, which are echoed in the artist’s treatment of the frame’s edge.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2010; Michael Merson, Baltimore, by purchase 1975; Alex Cooper Auction, Baltimore; J. Vandenbergh; A.C.A. Gallery, New York
AMW Reinstallation 2014
By Their Creative Force: American Women Modernists
Karen Bearor, "Irene Rice Pereira, Her Paintings and Philosophy," Austin: University of Texas Press, 1993, pp 95-118.
Bearor, "Embarking on an Eastward Journey: Irene Rice Pereira's Early Work," Coral Gables, Florida, The Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami, 1994, pp. 25-28.
"I. Rice Pereira," New York, Andrew Crispo Gallery, April 17-May 22, 1976.

Inscribed: Front: signed, bottom right, pencil, "I. RICE PErEIra" Frame: Inscribed, upper left, pencil, "IRene Pereira"; center, pencil, "Red" [obscured by label]; upper left, red crayon, "82" [within circle]; upper left, green crayon, "R 922". Labels: Small oval red sticker, upper left, pencil, "33". Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, printed label, upper left, inscribed, black ink, "Irene Pereira/Romminale[?] in rood/Private collector/cat 91". ACA Gallery, New York, printed label, upper right, inscribed, black ink, "I. RICE PEREIRA/RED FORM/4" and "PROPERTY/OF/J. VANDENBERGH". Two partial newspaper clippings at upper right. Backing board: Upper half, green crayon, "R 922" [crossed out with black crayon]; at center, black crayon, "33"; lower half, pencil "82" [upside down].

Artist

Irene Rice Pereira

American, 1902-1971
Meet Irene →