Pattern and Decoration Movement

Pattern and Decoration Movement

By David Eichholtz

An art movement that emerged in the 1970s on both the east and west coasts of the US. Characterized by large sweeping decorative designs in all over patterns in a variety of media and supports, including painting, drawing, beading collage and ceramics using canvas, wood, textiles, acrylic and readymades. The movement included both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. Early influences included feminism, identity politics, materials, ethnic cultures including references to Asian, African and Middle Eastern art. Many early participants included Miriam Schapiro, Betty Woodman, Joyce Kozloff, Valeri Jaudon, Robert Zakanitch, Dee Shapiro, Merion Estes, Robert Kushner and many others.

Systemic Pattern painting is also included in the Pattern and Decoration movement. However, Pattern Painting is distinctly different in that it is rooted in mathematical systems, counting and algorithms to create patterns based on the grid. The algorithms were more bi-nary and more rigorous in terms of the regularity of the patterns and the selection of colors. The Criss-Cross artist collaborative is the best-known group associated with this particular movement and most of the participants worked and lived in Boulder, Colorado and New York, they include: Charles DiJulio, Dean Fleming, Richard Kallweit, Gloria Klein, Marilyn Nelson, Clark Richert, Dee Shapiro, Robert Swain, George Woodman and Mario Yrisarry.

Artists and Exhibitions that relate to this movement include:

SYSTEMIC PATTERN PAINTING: ARTISTS OF THE CRISS-CROSS COOPERATIVE Including Artworks by Artists: Charles DiJulio, Dean Fleming, Richard Kallweit, Gloria Klein, Marilyn Nelson, Clark Richert, Dee Shapiro, Robert Swain, George Woodman and Mario Yrisarry Featuring Original Writings from the Criss-Cross Art Communications