April 1, 2015

Pattern Play

PHOENIX ART MUSEUM SHOWCASES "PATTERN PLAY:

THE CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS OF JACQUELINE GROAG"

FROM APRIL 4 TO AUGUST 9, 2015.

On view in Pattern Play: The Contemporary Designs of Jacqueline Groag will be more than 60 objects including Groag’s original drawings and collages alongside her lively, bold designs for furnishing textiles, dress fabrics, laminates and other decorative surfaces.

Following the prolonged trauma of World War II, a renewed public appetite for color and pattern flourished in Britain. Designers responded enthusiastically to the freedom of the post-war period, creating dynamic and stimulating patterns inspired by art, science and everyday life.

Jacqueline Groag (British, born in Prague, 1903-1986) was one of the most versatile pattern designers of the post-war era. From the colorful and playful to the abstract and representational, Groag’s work contributed to Britain’s spirit of renewal and defined the popular “contemporary” style. An extremely inventive artist with a finely tuned sense of color, Groag utilized collage and drawing to develop her exceptional childlike visions.

The exhibition is organized by Denver Art Museum. Additional support is provided by the Arizona Costume Institute.

Jacqueline Groag, (Czechoslovakian, 1903-1985). PHOTO BY JOHN GARNER, 1957.

(left) Jacqueline Groag, “Bottles” textile, 1948. Roller-printed rayon manufactured by David Whitehead Ltd.

Lent by Jill A. Wiltse and H. Kirk Brown III

(right) Jacqueline Groag, Dress,1945. Printed cotton. Target Gallery, London. PHOTO BY BEN HOWIE.

(left) Jacqueline Groag, Dress (left),1946. Printed nylon. Dress (right), 1946. Printed “anti-shirk” nylon crepe, 1946. Target Gallery, London. PHOTO BY BEN HOWIE.

(right) Jacqueline Groag, “Traffic Lights” textile, 1952. Roller-printed rayon manufactured by David Whitehead Ltd.

Lent by Jill A. Wiltse and H. Kirk Brown III.