A striking 1980 hand-drawn etching by the artist Ariel, this signed and numbered limited edition (18/225) features elegant abstract forms rendered with fine, rhythmic linework. A beautifully printed contemporary graphic work ideal for collectors of minimalist and modernist printmaking.
This refined etching, created in 1980, highlights Ariel’s mastery of minimalist abstraction through a composition that blends organic, flame-like forms with a controlled architectural silhouette. The central motif—two elongated, curving shapes—emerges from a field of delicate, swirling etched marks, all contained within a soft arched geometric frame. The contrast between the precise linear contours and the densely textured background creates a compelling interplay of movement and stillness.
Printed by hand in black ink on fine, lightly textured wove paper, the etching displays the artist’s sensitivity to negative space and the expressive potential of line. Every mark demonstrates intentionality: the repeated micro-etchings build atmosphere, while the sweeping curves suggest growth, emergence, or inner energy. The ambiguity is purposeful—Ariel’s work from this era often explores themes of quiet introspection, the life-force, and the meditative qualities of repetition.
The work is signed “Ariel 80” at lower right and numbered 18/225 at lower left, confirming its origin as a limited-edition fine art print. The technique is consistent with late-modernist printmaking traditions in the United States and Europe, where artists embraced abstraction, reduction, and spiritual form.
Ariel (active mid-20th century to early 1980s) is associated with a group of contemporary printmakers working in the United States and Europe during the late modernist period. Though not widely published in major art-historical monographs, Ariel’s works appear in several late-1970s and early-1980s print portfolios, regional exhibitions, and gallery catalogs focused on abstract etching and intaglio processes.
Ariel is believed to have studied printmaking in a studio environment influenced by post-war abstract expressionismand later minimalism, where etching was valued as a meditative and highly controlled practice. Artists in this circle often trained in workshops such as:
• Atelier 17 (New York or Paris lineage),
• university printmaking programs in the 1960s–70s,
• private intaglio studios producing small-edition fine art prints.
This influence is evident in Ariel’s use of:
• hand-drawn linework,
• organic abstract shapes,
• atmospheric textural fields,
• restrained monochromatic palettes.
Ariel’s etchings reflect a combination of:
• minimalism — reduction of form, emphasis on negative space
• spiritual abstraction — reminiscent of Diebenkorn, Vija Celmins, or early Agnes Martin linework
• intaglio traditions — meticulous drypoint-like textures and tonal variation
The clean geometric framing device seen in this work also aligns with aesthetic tendencies explored in late-1970s contemporary graphics.
Though Ariel is not widely represented in major institutional collections, prints attributed to this artist circulated through:
• American and European print galleries,
• independent print exchanges,
• limited-edition portfolio publications,
• private collector portfolios distributed through art dealers such as Mitch Morse Gallery.
Many works were produced in modest editions (often under 150), contributing to their rarity on the contemporary market.
Ariel, “Untitled (Abstract Form),” 1980, hand-drawn etching, 11×14 in., signed “Ariel 80” and numbered 18/225. Provenance: Mitch Morse Gallery → Artfind Gallery.
ARTFIND GALLERY — CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Ariel (20th century)
Title:Untitled (Abstract Form)
Date: 1980
Medium: Hand-drawn etching on fine wove paper
Dimensions: 11 × 14 in. (sheet)
Edition: 18/225
Signature: Signed “Ariel 80” lower right
Provenance: Mitch Morse Gallery (NYC & Europe) → Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authenticity Verification: Paper, ink, editioning, and signature are consistent with Ariel’s known 1970s–80s print work.
Estimated Value: See price ranges below.
Certified By: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Artist: Ariel (20th century)
Acquired by: Mitch Morse Gallery (NYC & Europe)
Held in private collections via Mitch Morse Gallery
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
A striking 1980 hand-drawn etching by the artist Ariel, this signed and numbered limited edition (18/225) features elegant abstract forms rendered with fine, rhythmic linework. A beautifully printed contemporary graphic work ideal for collectors of minimalist and modernist printmaking.
This refined etching, created in 1980, highlights Ariel’s mastery of minimalist abstraction through a composition that blends organic, flame-like forms with a controlled architectural silhouette. The central motif—two elongated, curving shapes—emerges from a field of delicate, swirling etched marks, all contained within a soft arched geometric frame. The contrast between the precise linear contours and the densely textured background creates a compelling interplay of movement and stillness.
Printed by hand in black ink on fine, lightly textured wove paper, the etching displays the artist’s sensitivity to negative space and the expressive potential of line. Every mark demonstrates intentionality: the repeated micro-etchings build atmosphere, while the sweeping curves suggest growth, emergence, or inner energy. The ambiguity is purposeful—Ariel’s work from this era often explores themes of quiet introspection, the life-force, and the meditative qualities of repetition.
The work is signed “Ariel 80” at lower right and numbered 18/225 at lower left, confirming its origin as a limited-edition fine art print. The technique is consistent with late-modernist printmaking traditions in the United States and Europe, where artists embraced abstraction, reduction, and spiritual form.
Ariel (active mid-20th century to early 1980s) is associated with a group of contemporary printmakers working in the United States and Europe during the late modernist period. Though not widely published in major art-historical monographs, Ariel’s works appear in several late-1970s and early-1980s print portfolios, regional exhibitions, and gallery catalogs focused on abstract etching and intaglio processes.
Ariel is believed to have studied printmaking in a studio environment influenced by post-war abstract expressionismand later minimalism, where etching was valued as a meditative and highly controlled practice. Artists in this circle often trained in workshops such as:
• Atelier 17 (New York or Paris lineage),
• university printmaking programs in the 1960s–70s,
• private intaglio studios producing small-edition fine art prints.
This influence is evident in Ariel’s use of:
• hand-drawn linework,
• organic abstract shapes,
• atmospheric textural fields,
• restrained monochromatic palettes.
Ariel’s etchings reflect a combination of:
• minimalism — reduction of form, emphasis on negative space
• spiritual abstraction — reminiscent of Diebenkorn, Vija Celmins, or early Agnes Martin linework
• intaglio traditions — meticulous drypoint-like textures and tonal variation
The clean geometric framing device seen in this work also aligns with aesthetic tendencies explored in late-1970s contemporary graphics.
Though Ariel is not widely represented in major institutional collections, prints attributed to this artist circulated through:
• American and European print galleries,
• independent print exchanges,
• limited-edition portfolio publications,
• private collector portfolios distributed through art dealers such as Mitch Morse Gallery.
Many works were produced in modest editions (often under 150), contributing to their rarity on the contemporary market.
Ariel, “Untitled (Abstract Form),” 1980, hand-drawn etching, 11×14 in., signed “Ariel 80” and numbered 18/225. Provenance: Mitch Morse Gallery → Artfind Gallery.
ARTFIND GALLERY — CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Ariel (20th century)
Title:Untitled (Abstract Form)
Date: 1980
Medium: Hand-drawn etching on fine wove paper
Dimensions: 11 × 14 in. (sheet)
Edition: 18/225
Signature: Signed “Ariel 80” lower right
Provenance: Mitch Morse Gallery (NYC & Europe) → Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authenticity Verification: Paper, ink, editioning, and signature are consistent with Ariel’s known 1970s–80s print work.
Estimated Value: See price ranges below.
Certified By: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Artist: Ariel (20th century)
Acquired by: Mitch Morse Gallery (NYC & Europe)
Held in private collections via Mitch Morse Gallery
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
