Folded Kimono
1982
20th Century
14 1/2 x 12 in. (36.8 x 30.5 cm)
Selma Bortner,
American,
(1926–2019)
Object Type:
PRINTS
Creation Place:
North America
Medium and Support:
Etching, color embossed relief print, water-based paint, Artist Proof 9
Credit Line:
Gift of Russell Leib at the bequest of John Christopher Klevs
Accession Number:
06-G-3320
Label from Beyond 2-D: Surface Play with Paper, LaSalle Art Museum, November 1, 2021- May 30, 2022
Selma Bortner was an expressive painter and printmaker who experimented with unconventional media. She utilized a variety of techniques and materials in order to convey her personal feelings. Her creation of prints, which soon became an essential part of her life, functioned as an outlet to represent her struggles. She showcased her paintings, prints, and sculptures in exhibitions in the Philadelphia area, as well as Israel, China, and The Netherlands. In addition to her career as an artist, Bortner was a fine art instructor at Bucks County Community College for 23 years and served as chair of the Printmaking Department.
Folded Kimono suggests inspiration from the 17th century Japanese ukiyo-e style, meaning “pictures of the floating world.” This style commonly depicts female beauties and theatrical actors, like Bortner does in this print. She incorporates patterns and bright colors in the woman’s clothing, creating a contemporary mood. The textured folds in the left of the composition suggest a curtain opening onto a stage, and also reference women’s denim jeans.
Meghan Nally, Class of 2020
Current Location:
In Storage
@LSUAM
@lasalleuniversityartmuseum
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