Theatre of Silence

1979

Not on view

This work incorporates cut and torn papers in an abstract arrangement. References to musical notation, literature, and mathematics are reflected in the choice of papers and in the hand-written inscription, which the artist combined with a rhythmic, almost poetic quality echoing the work of Kurt Schwitters. The small size of this collage is typical of Horton’s work: the artist’s penchant for creating intimately-scaled artworks was derived in part from their origins in his personal diaries. Horton, who worked both as an artist and a lawyer, also experimented with photography and created delicate, layered abstract paintings on paper until his early death at age 35.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Inscriptions and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Theatre of Silence
Artist: Rick Horton (American, 1954–1990)
Date: 1979
Medium: Cut and torn pasted printed papers with selectively applied glaze and graphite on found printed paper, mounted to verso of wallpaper
Dimensions: 12 3/8 × 15 7/8 in. (31.4 × 40.4 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Gift of Estate of the artist, 1992
Object Number: 1992.63.3
Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art

More Artwork

By Rick Horton

In the same medium

From the same time and place

Untitled, Rick Horton American, Cut, torn and pasted printed papers and graphite, on envelope — Untitled
Rick Horton
1978

Gray and Brass, John Sloan American, Oil on canvas, American — Gray and Brass
John Sloan
1907

The Musician’s Table, Juan Gris Spanish, Conté crayon, wax crayon, gouache, cut-and-pasted printed wallpaper, blue and white laid papers, transparentized paper, newspaper, and brown wrapping paper; selectively varnished on canvas — The Musician’s Table
Juan Gris
1914

Communists' E's, Rick Horton American, Cut and torn pasted papers and printed papers with watercolor, gouache, graphite, and varnish on board — Communists' E's
Rick Horton
1979

Necklace, Meta Overbeck American, Gold, emeralds, Montana sapphires, topazes, enamel, American — Necklace
Meta Overbeck
Louis C. Tiffany
Manufacturer Tiffany & Co.
ca. 1914–15

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