Week #34, Lacquer Ink III

Dusti Bongé, Untitled (Black Form with Blue, Purple & Yellow), 1988, mixed media on paper, 13” x 10”.

The very heavy lacquer ink Dusti Bongé was experimenting with in these 1980s works we’ve looked at, is often used for printing. As such, it behaves differently than the types of ink Dusti used for the calligraphic works that she was also creating during this time. Lacquer ink includes a resin-based solution that is added to printing ink to ensure it stays bright and lasts long. Hence the dense pools of darkness Dusti was able to create with it.

In contrast to last week’s piece with the bright colors juxtaposed to the dark ink, here Dusti has kept the overall tone of the work dark. Similarly, instead of introducing an orderly grid in contrast to the amorphous black form here the entire composition has a very free-flowing quality. It is as if Dusti merely gently nudges the black and colors in various directions uninterrupted by any decisive marks.

A broad swath of irregular black moves across the page as the ink is allowed to flow from one side to the other. Some parts are denser than others, resulting in variegations in depths of blackness. The dark blues and purples that almost completely surround the black form along the top and bottom have a muted quality. With the exception of the golden yellow in the top right and a hints of it at lower edge, the whole composition borders on somber yet remains totally engaging. The flowing ink and watercolor suggest the painting continues on beyond its edges.

Our apologies for being a day late with our E-news this week. We were on vacation and it was great.