Black Hole

Stanley William Hayter

Black Hole is composed of curved lines that move rhythmically above an undulating op-art pattern of squares which elongate into rectangles and diamonds before transforming into flowing ribbons. The composition, evoking the sensation of movement, draws the viewer to the center of the vortex.

Created in 1978, Hayter used a chrome plated copper plate, covered with a thin plastic sheeting, then added a soft-ground texture to create this image. He then covered the plate again and added more soft-ground texture which was etched with an open bite. Black Hole was printed in an edition of 50, by Hayter and Hector Saunier at Atelier 17 in Paris. The highest edition number recorded is 30/50. This impression is a unique color state two, one of three variant color proofs, outside the editioned impressions.