Frank Stella Shards IV Signed Screenprint 1982 Edition of 100

Artist: Frank Stella (American, 1936–2024)
Title: Shards IV
Medium: Offset Lithograph and Screen-print on Paper
Edition: Numbered CTP III
Size: 39.25" x 45"
Framed: 47.25" x 52.5" x 1.25"
Year: 1982
Inscription: Signed in Pencil, numbered CTP III, and dated along on front
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

Frank Stella's "Shards IV", from the 1982 "Shards" series, exemplifies the artist's ongoing exploration of texture, form, and abstraction during the early 1980s. Created through a combination of offset lithography and screen-printing, this work demonstrates Stella's characteristic precision and engagement with geometric complexity while simultaneously referencing previous series in his oeuvre. The "Shards" series derives its name from Stella's practice of repurposing elements from earlier works, notably the "Circuits Series" and the 1980 "Polar Coordinates for Ronnie Peterson" series, to construct layered compositions that evoke depth and movement.

By the early 1960s, Stella had shifted away from illusionistic space toward flat, irregular shapes, a hallmark of his minimalist beginnings. In the decades that followed, his practice expanded into three-dimensional and maximalist explorations, including large-scale sculptural works, wall reliefs, and series such as "Shards". "Shards IV" embodies this transitional period, reflecting Stella's ability to integrate fragments of previous motifs into a cohesive and visually compelling whole.

"Shards IV", is part of the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Other works by Frank Stella from the same period are exhibited in the Guggenheim Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum, LACMA, among many others. His early inclusion in exhibitions such as "Three Young Americans" at the Allen Memorial Art Museum and "Sixteen Americans" at MoMA cemented his reputation as a leading figure in postwar American abstraction. In 2009, Stella's contributions were formally recognized with the National Medal of Arts, awarded by President Barack Obama.

The lithograph and screen-print measures 39 1/4 inches in height by 45 inches in width and is pencil signed, numbered CTP III, and dated along the lower center. The piece is framed at 47 1/4 inches by 52 1/2 inches with a depth of 1 1/4 inches. The verso carries the artist's signature along with a Denise Rene gallery sticker, and the purchase of this work includes a gallery certificate of authenticity, ensuring provenance and exhibition legitimacy.

"Shards IV" remains a testament to Stella's innovative approach to reconfiguring visual language, bridging his minimalist origins with his later maximalist explorations and cementing his legacy as one of the most influential American artists of the twentieth century.

About Frank Stella

Frank Stella (1936–2024) was a pioneering American artist whose work transformed the landscape of contemporary art through his innovative use of abstraction, geometry, and color. Born in Malden, Massachusetts, Stella emerged as a central figure in the Minimalist movement of the late 1950s and early 1960s, gaining recognition for his bold, geometric paintings that emphasized flatness and rejected traditional illusionistic space. His early series, including the “Black Paintings" and the “Protractor Series", established him as a visionary artist committed to formal experimentation and precision.

Throughout his career, Stella's practice evolved from minimalist canvases to complex three-dimensional works, large-scale wall reliefs, and sculptural series, including “Shards" and “Polygons." Known for integrating elements of previous works into new compositions, Stella's art reflects a dialogue between repetition, rhythm, and structural innovation. His work often blends painting, printmaking, and sculpture, demonstrating mastery across multiple mediums, including screen-print, lithography, and mixed media.

Stella's artworks are represented in major museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum, LACMA, and the Toledo Museum of Art. He has participated in landmark exhibitions such as “Three Young Americans" at Oberlin College's Allen Memorial Art Museum and “Sixteen Americans" at MoMA, solidifying his influence on postwar American abstraction. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Stella received the National Medal of Arts in 2009.

Frank Stella's legacy as a master of abstract art lies in his continuous exploration of form, color, and spatial dynamics. His innovative approach reshaped the possibilities of modern painting and sculpture, making him one of the most important American artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Collectors, museums, and galleries continue to celebrate Stella's groundbreaking work, which remains highly sought after in the art market today.