The Cut Stems | Harvard Art Museums

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 2008.46
People: James Brown, American (Los Angeles 1951 - 2020 Valladolid, Mexico)
Title: The Cut Stems
Classification: Drawings
Work Type: drawing
Date: 2003
Culture: American
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/70415

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Laminated, pigmented abaca with watermark

Dimensions

38.9 x 27.1 cm (15 5/16 x 10 11/16 in.)

Inscriptions and Marks

Signed: l.r., graphite: James Brown 2003
inscription: lower left, graphite: 40/75

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History: [Dieu Donné Papermill, Inc., New York], sold; to Edward Saywell, Boston, Massachusetts; gift; to Harvard University Art Museums, 2008

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line: Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Edward Saywell in memory of Craigen Weston Bowen
Accession Year: 2008
Object Number: 2008.46
Division: Modern and Contemporary Art
Contact: am_moderncontemporary@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Commentary: "The Cut Stems" is a multiple which is the result of the artist's residency at Dieu Donné Papermill in New York in 2003. Dieu Donné sponsors a residency program every year, in which the chosen artist is given three days in the papermaking studio, along with technical assistance. The resulting artworks are sent to those who subscribe to the Collectors Series and are also offered for sale. According to the Project Description provided by Dieu Donné, "The Cut Stems" "was based on a sample found in the artist's 19th century album of seaweed specimens. The image was translated into a watermark using fabric paint on no-see-um mosquito netting. In the studio, a base sheet of unpigmented, translucent abaca [Manila hemp] paper was formed and couched (transferred) onto a pellon. Next, the no-see-um netting was placed on top of the papermaking mould and a pigmented, blue-gray sheet of translucent abaca was pulled. The elevated, painted areas of the watermark created thinner areas in the colored sheet. This sheet was then couched directly on top of the base sheet, illuminating the image. Finally, the sheets were pressed in a hydraulic press and dried in a forced-air drying system."

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Modern and Contemporary Art at am_moderncontemporary@harvard.edu

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