Radiation from White 1979

Max Bill, a Swiss artist, produced "Radiation from White" using geometric forms and color theory, ideas prominent in the mid-20th century. Bill was associated with the Bauhaus school, which sought to unify art, craft, and technology. The artwork consists of a square with a square void in its center, seemingly radiating color outward. This piece embodies the Bauhaus's utopian vision. The movement aspired to create functional and aesthetically pleasing designs accessible to all, breaking down traditional hierarchies between fine art and applied arts. The limited edition print suggests a desire to democratize art ownership, making it available beyond elite circles. Art historians like myself delve into manifestos, architectural designs, and sociopolitical contexts to understand the full scope of the Bauhaus movement, and the legacy it has had on the likes of Bill, and the art world. We see that this artwork is not just an image, but the result of a specific philosophy, cultural moment, and institutional environment.