“Light Source II,” Boris Chezar (1913–2008), c.1970s, 22×30 in. hand-drawn intaglio serigraph, signed & numbered 19/100.

$1,650.00

“Light Source II,” Boris Chezar (1913–2008), c.1970s, 22×30 in. hand-drawn intaglio serigraph, signed & numbered 19/100.

Light Source II is a powerful hand-drawn intaglio serigraph by American modernist Boris Chezar (1913–2008), known for his bold abstraction, vibrant color fields, and innovative mixed-printmaking techniques. This limited-edition impression, signed and numbered 19/100, radiates with explosive energy—its blazing central orb expanding outward through ochre, gold, and fiery orange. Produced during Chezar’s highly collected early 1970s abstract period, the work exemplifies his fascination with cosmic themes, light phenomena, and the dynamic motion of form. A striking, investment-quality print from a celebrated era of his career.

Artwork Description

Light Source II emerges as one of Chezar’s most commanding abstract compositions. A dark central core is surrounded by concentric layers of molten red, mustard, ochre, and pale yellow—each shaped with irregular, organic edges reminiscent of solar eruptions or geological cross-sections. From this intense center, Chezar’s signature radiating linework bursts outward with extraordinary kinetic force, creating the feeling of a cosmic detonation or expanding star.

The work is executed using a hybrid process combining intaglio drawing, serigraphic color application, and Chezar’s distinctive hand-cut stencil methodology. Crisp edges, clean registration, and rich pigment saturation are hallmarks of the print. The sheet, approx. 22 × 30 inches, remains untrimmed as issued and bears Chezar’s pencil signature (lower right)and edition number (19/100, lower left).

Conceptually, Chezar often explored energy, origin points, and the unseen forces structuring the natural world. Light Source II embodies these obsessions, translating cosmic expansion into a bold visual vocabulary.

Biography of Boris Chezar

Boris Chezar (1913–2008) was a New York–born painter, printmaker, sculptor, muralist, and lifelong artistic experimenter whose career spanned more than 80 years. The son of Russian immigrants, Chezar discovered art early and earned admission to The Cooper Union, receiving formal training in drawing, composition, and design.

During travels in Mexico, he worked alongside the great muralist José Clemente Orozco, whose monumental forms and symbolic intensity deeply influenced Chezar’s later abstraction. Additional travels to Nova Scotia sharpened his sensitivity to landscape, organic patterning, and rhythm.

During World War II, Chezar served in the Army Air Forces, creating large-scale murals—including a 5×17 ft. installation at Ft. Dix—work that strengthened his understanding of scale, dramatic form, and public imagery.

After the war, he entered commercial art with J. Walter Thompson, later transitioning to full-time portraiture and fine art. He painted seasonally in the Catskills, produced portraits aboard cruise ships, and maintained a bustling studio practice in New York City.

In the 1970s, Chezar’s style evolved into the abstract mode seen in Light Source II—characterized by color explosions, cosmic imagery, and layered intaglio-serigraph hybrid processes. His graphic works from this decade are widely considered among his most collectible.

By the mid-1980s, he pioneered dimensional paintings incorporating sculptural wood forms projecting from the canvas. In the 1990s, after relocating to Sun City, Arizona, he developed his “Random Modalities” series, integrating frames as physical components of the artwork—a technique for which he pursued patent protection.

Chezar exhibited throughout the United States in institutions including:

  • National Gallery – Washington, D.C.

  • National Print Exhibition – Brooklyn Museum

  • Center Art Gallery – New York

  • St. Louis Art Museum

  • Wickersham Gallery – NY

  • Boston Printmakers Exhibit – MA

  • Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art

  • Mitch Morse Gallery – NYC
    …and numerous universities and regional museums.

He produced new work until shortly before his death in 2008, famously noting:
“In a utilitarian sense, art has no value. Only in the spiritual area does it have life.”

Boris Chezar (1913–2008), Light Source II, c.1970s.
Hand-drawn intaglio serigraph, 22×30 in., pencil-signed and numbered 19/100. Vibrant concentric explosion motif in red, ochre, and gold; excellent vintage condition. From the Mitch Morse Gallery inventory.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Insurance, Appraisal & Gallery Documentation

Artist: Boris Chezar (1913–2008)
Title: Light Source II
Date: c. early 1970s
Medium: Hand-drawn intaglio etching serigraph
Sheet Size: 22 × 30 inches
Edition: 19/100
Signature: Pencil-signed “Chezar” lower right; numbered lower left
Image Description: Central abstract explosion in red, ochre, gold, and cream; radiating directional linework
Condition: Excellent vintage condition; rich, stable color; unframed

Provenance Chain

  1. Artist’s Studio, Boris Chezar

  2. Mitch Morse Gallery, New York, NY

  3. Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC — Current Owner

“Light Source II,” Boris Chezar (1913–2008), c.1970s, 22×30 in. hand-drawn intaglio serigraph, signed & numbered 19/100.

Light Source II is a powerful hand-drawn intaglio serigraph by American modernist Boris Chezar (1913–2008), known for his bold abstraction, vibrant color fields, and innovative mixed-printmaking techniques. This limited-edition impression, signed and numbered 19/100, radiates with explosive energy—its blazing central orb expanding outward through ochre, gold, and fiery orange. Produced during Chezar’s highly collected early 1970s abstract period, the work exemplifies his fascination with cosmic themes, light phenomena, and the dynamic motion of form. A striking, investment-quality print from a celebrated era of his career.

Artwork Description

Light Source II emerges as one of Chezar’s most commanding abstract compositions. A dark central core is surrounded by concentric layers of molten red, mustard, ochre, and pale yellow—each shaped with irregular, organic edges reminiscent of solar eruptions or geological cross-sections. From this intense center, Chezar’s signature radiating linework bursts outward with extraordinary kinetic force, creating the feeling of a cosmic detonation or expanding star.

The work is executed using a hybrid process combining intaglio drawing, serigraphic color application, and Chezar’s distinctive hand-cut stencil methodology. Crisp edges, clean registration, and rich pigment saturation are hallmarks of the print. The sheet, approx. 22 × 30 inches, remains untrimmed as issued and bears Chezar’s pencil signature (lower right)and edition number (19/100, lower left).

Conceptually, Chezar often explored energy, origin points, and the unseen forces structuring the natural world. Light Source II embodies these obsessions, translating cosmic expansion into a bold visual vocabulary.

Biography of Boris Chezar

Boris Chezar (1913–2008) was a New York–born painter, printmaker, sculptor, muralist, and lifelong artistic experimenter whose career spanned more than 80 years. The son of Russian immigrants, Chezar discovered art early and earned admission to The Cooper Union, receiving formal training in drawing, composition, and design.

During travels in Mexico, he worked alongside the great muralist José Clemente Orozco, whose monumental forms and symbolic intensity deeply influenced Chezar’s later abstraction. Additional travels to Nova Scotia sharpened his sensitivity to landscape, organic patterning, and rhythm.

During World War II, Chezar served in the Army Air Forces, creating large-scale murals—including a 5×17 ft. installation at Ft. Dix—work that strengthened his understanding of scale, dramatic form, and public imagery.

After the war, he entered commercial art with J. Walter Thompson, later transitioning to full-time portraiture and fine art. He painted seasonally in the Catskills, produced portraits aboard cruise ships, and maintained a bustling studio practice in New York City.

In the 1970s, Chezar’s style evolved into the abstract mode seen in Light Source II—characterized by color explosions, cosmic imagery, and layered intaglio-serigraph hybrid processes. His graphic works from this decade are widely considered among his most collectible.

By the mid-1980s, he pioneered dimensional paintings incorporating sculptural wood forms projecting from the canvas. In the 1990s, after relocating to Sun City, Arizona, he developed his “Random Modalities” series, integrating frames as physical components of the artwork—a technique for which he pursued patent protection.

Chezar exhibited throughout the United States in institutions including:

  • National Gallery – Washington, D.C.

  • National Print Exhibition – Brooklyn Museum

  • Center Art Gallery – New York

  • St. Louis Art Museum

  • Wickersham Gallery – NY

  • Boston Printmakers Exhibit – MA

  • Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art

  • Mitch Morse Gallery – NYC
    …and numerous universities and regional museums.

He produced new work until shortly before his death in 2008, famously noting:
“In a utilitarian sense, art has no value. Only in the spiritual area does it have life.”

Boris Chezar (1913–2008), Light Source II, c.1970s.
Hand-drawn intaglio serigraph, 22×30 in., pencil-signed and numbered 19/100. Vibrant concentric explosion motif in red, ochre, and gold; excellent vintage condition. From the Mitch Morse Gallery inventory.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Insurance, Appraisal & Gallery Documentation

Artist: Boris Chezar (1913–2008)
Title: Light Source II
Date: c. early 1970s
Medium: Hand-drawn intaglio etching serigraph
Sheet Size: 22 × 30 inches
Edition: 19/100
Signature: Pencil-signed “Chezar” lower right; numbered lower left
Image Description: Central abstract explosion in red, ochre, gold, and cream; radiating directional linework
Condition: Excellent vintage condition; rich, stable color; unframed

Provenance Chain

  1. Artist’s Studio, Boris Chezar

  2. Mitch Morse Gallery, New York, NY

  3. Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC — Current Owner

“LIGHT SOURCE II” -

BORIS CHEZAR - Hand Drawn Intaglio Etching Serigraph - Signed & Numbered - 19/100

30 X 22 inches    Image: 27 X 18 inches

LIMITED EDITION HAND PULLED & DRAWN ORIGINAL INTAGLIO ETCHING SERIGRAPH, NUMBERED & HAND SIGNED BY ARTIST. From the retired Mitch Moore Gallery Inc, NYC. Unmatted, never framed or displayed. Image area is in very good frameable vintage condition. 

ARTISTS BIO:  BORIS CHEZAR - worked joyously every day, waking at 5 a.m. to saw wood, sketch new pieces, attend to works in progress, and make adjustments to older work. His career lasted over 80 years, up until a few months before his death on December 18, 2009. 

Boris was born in New York City in 1913, one of five sons of Russian immigrants. He began painting in his teens, and was granted acceptance to study at The Cooper Union in New York City. During extensive travels in Mexico and Nova Scotia, Boris sketched and painted the local flavor. In Mexico, he met and painted with Jose Clemente Orozco, whose style of bold symbolism would later influence some of Chezar's work. His modern abstract work began in the early 70's with painted constructions, and prints of space and nature themes. In the mid-80's he began constructing dimensional painting, some over seven feet square. In 1997, he moved to Sun City, and began the work he called "Random Modalities" where he incorporated the frame as part of the art ( a technique he has patent pending). 

During World War II, Boris served the the Army-Air Force, painting huge murals depicting inspirational military themes. After the first one he finished the commanding officers were impressed and asked him to another, 5 by 17 feet at the hospital at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. He would later boast he asked for (and received four men and two months to do the job). 

After the war, Boris began a family with his wife, Faye, as started in commercial art with J Walter Thompson. It wasn't long before he struck out on his own as a portrait artist, working in pastel, charcoal and oil. Summers were spent in the Borscht Belt of the Catskill Mountains, and during winters, Boris worked aboard cruise ships, painting portraits and giving lessons. 

Most painters, Chezar notes, develop a recognizable style that differentiates them from other artists. He, however, prefers to continually break new personal ground. Over the years, his work has evolved from watercolor landscapes to oil portraits and Wassily Kandinsky inspired abstracts. Chezar says he follows his intuition in pursuit of new techniques. "I just do what I have to do," he says. "I try not to do what others do." Some of his works are dimensional paintings composed of plywood shapes that jumped off the canvas, an approach that grew out of his love for building things. "I like the idea of discovery. It's not immediately known, but if you look at it long enough you're going to discover what it's all about," Chezar says. 

"He was always true to his art," Payne says of her father. Although his work took him away from his family a lot, Payne says she has fond memories of accompanying her father to art shows in Greenwich Village. "His work is very unique and very high quality," says Anne Madden, owner of the Blue Ibis Gallery in Ruskin. "He's a wonderful colorist and does very unique work. I've never seen anything quite like his work before."

"In a utilitarian sense, art has no value. Only in the spiritual area does it have life. It's what makes us human."-Boris Chezar

The work of Chezar has been exhibited in:

National Gallerie - Washington, D.C.

National Print Exhibition - Brooklyn Museum, N.Y.

Wickershom Gallery - New York

Center Art Gallery - New York

St. Louis Art Museum - St. Louis, Mo.

A.A.A. Galleries - New York

Boston Printmakers Exhibit - Boston, Mass.

Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art - Pa.

Duchess Community College - Purghkeepsee, N.J.

Hofstra Community College - New York

New York University - New York City, N.Y.

The Brooklyn Museum

Mitch Moore Gallery, N.Y.

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