Paul Jenkins (American, 1923-2012). Screenprint on paper depicting an abstract burst of color, 1980. Pencil signed and dated along the lower right; numbered 15/100 along the lower left.

Under the G.I. Bill, Paul Jenkins attended the Art Students League in New York from 1948-52, during which time he studied with Yasuo Kuniyoshi and Morris Kantor. He remained at the Art Students League until 1952, where he befriended fellow artists Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Though he is often associated with abstract expressionism, he preferred to think of himself as "an abstract phenomenist."

Jenkins' pictorial universe consists of streaks of color that awaken associations. He produced his first picture with diluted paints in 1951; later they were executed as pour pictures. The layers of pigment covering the picture supports are whisper-thin. Jenkins' handling is intuitive yet informed by philosophy. He was receptive to sources of inspiration provided by the manifold impressions he had of his immediate surroundings. His aesthetic experiments usually involve the prismatic colors of the rainbow. However, Jenkins also worked up the impressions he had received on his extensive travels. In such cases, it is the distinctive color of a particular place that he found most fascinating.
Height: 59 in x width: 40 1/2 in.

The item is in great condition with no visible tears or losses, no major creases. The color is bold and bright. The paper is very lightly toned. Along the right and left margins, there is very light wear; however, it appears to be original to the artistic practice. Along the upper margin, there are two areas of light grey horizontal marks; however, it does not affect the center image. In the lower right corner, there is a very slight crease. No visible sign of restoration under UV light. Along the verso, there are several scattered spots of handling marks. Along the lower and upper margins, there are horizontal line marks, which do not affect the recto. Along the upper margin, there is an old framers tape mark. To the lower left corner, there is a pencil mark "CGR13223".