Mid 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting by Joseph Vasica

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Very large scale (70"H x 160"W) (5.8'H x 13.3'L) mid-century abstract with soft edge, grey and burnt sienna medallion with … Read more Very large scale (70"H x 160"W) (5.8'H x 13.3'L) mid-century abstract with soft edge, grey and burnt sienna medallion with beige and white surround with a modernist southwest vibe by famous California artist Joseph Vasica (American, 1921-2008), circa 1960. Thick layers of merging colors gives a soft focus look. This would be stunning in a residential or commercial installation where a capstone piece is needed but doesn't overwhelm. (Rolled canvas shipping option permits for faster and economical delivery.) Canvas is shown with the edges visible for contrast definition, once stretch the painting covers to the edges of the paint with no border visible. Measurement doesn't include visible bare canvas edges.

Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1921, Vasica immigrated to Canada during World War II and then to the United States in 1960. After traveling throughout the country he settled in San Francisco calling it home for 44 years. He was an accomplished San Francisco artist, his paintings are held in museums and private collections. His works were highly praised by Alfred Frankenstein, a leading art critic of the era. His abstractions of the 1960's and 1970's are considered his most outstanding works and have been compared to Albrecht Durer by many art critics.

His works are included in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the former Volante Collection (artists and collectors, specializing in early to mid 20th Century art and sculpture. His work was exhibited in 1970 at and is currently held in the collection of the Boise Gallery of Art, Boise, Idaho (known today as the Boise Art Museum). In 1971, he exhibited at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in a one man show. In 1977, Vasica exhibited at a one man show at the Hoover Gallery, San Francisco. He was also part of a group show at this same gallery in 1979. In 1980, he exhibited at the Vorpal Gallery in Soho, NY. His works were handled by the Pomeroy Galleries in San Francisco, CA for many years.

He and his work is included in the book entitled San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Painting and Sculpture Collection. He is also listed in the book Art of San Francisco 1945-1980: An Illustrated History, by Thomas Albright. He was featured 7 times in the magazine Architectural Digest:
January/February 1972 pg. 24; September 1972 pg. 66; September/October 1976, pg. 109; July/August 1978 pg. 106; December 1980 PG.69; September 1985 PG.181; September 1986 pg.179. See less