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Trend Alert: Josef Albers-Inspired Color Blocks on Quilts, Rugs, Shower Curtains, and More

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Trend Alert: Josef Albers-Inspired Color Blocks on Quilts, Rugs, Shower Curtains, and More

February 10, 2021

There is something mesmerizing and also grounding about Josef Albers’s Homage to the Square painting series. Starting in 1950, the artist spent 25 years musing on the theme. Underpinning his simple, abstract canvases were complex concepts relating to, among other things, color perception and ways of making and seeing art. (Here’ a good succinct description from the Guggenheim.) But without knowing all that, we’ve been turning to his interlocking squares for sphinx-like balance and mystery in these unruly times. Or so it seems. Here’s a look at some of the Albers-style geometry that’s been cropping up all over: homages to the Homage.

a shades of white wall tapestry hangs in the living area of a seattle apartment 17
Above: A shades-of-white wall tapestry hangs in the living area of a Seattle apartment by interior designer Lisa Staton.  See more in Design Sleuth: A Quilt Inspired by a Beloved Abstract Painting.
working in collaboration with the albers foundation, christopher farr editions  18
Above: Working in collaboration with the Albers Foundation, Christopher Farr Editions of London and LA recently debuted this licensed handwoven wool rug, Josef Albers Homage to the Square: Yellow Eden. It’s one of six 4-by-4-feet rug designs modeled after Homage to the Square paintings; inquire for pricing
quiet town&#8\2\17;s quilted canvas marfa shower curtains, \$\198, come in  19
Above: Quiet Town’s quilted canvas Marfa Shower Curtains, $198, come in five colorways. They can be used as wallhanging, curtains, and room dividers (see our featured image), too. Read about Quiet Town here.
artware offers made to order homage to the square wool tapestries in limited ed 20
Above: Artware offers made-to-order Homage to the Square wool tapestries in limited editions of 10. These are licensed by the Albers Foundation and directly modeled after Albers paintings. Five designs are available for $9,600 each.
the josef albers wooden puzzle set is \$\25 from the american institute of arch 21
Above: The Josef Albers Wooden Puzzle Set is $25 from the American Institute of Architects bookstore. It’s also available at the Tate in London.
wild quiltworks &#8\2\16;s josef albers homage to the square, a wall hangin 22
Above: Wild Quiltworks ‘s Josef Albers Homage to the Square, a wall hanging or lap quilt. The Portland, Oregon, studio specializes in custom quilts; prices start at $500.
affordable art marketplace redbubble offers shamalab&#8\2\17;s green grey y 23
Above: Affordable art marketplace Redbubble offers ShaMaLab’s Green Grey Yellow Cotton Tote in three sizes, starting at $21.05. Many other color combinations as well as pillows also available.
french designer/antiquaire florence lopez painted the walls of model natacha se 24
Above: French designer/antiquaire Florence Lopez painted the walls of model Natacha Senechal Paris loft as an homage to Albers: see A Model at Home with Josef Albers. Photograph by Philippe Garcia courtesy of Florence Lopez.

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Frequently asked questions

What inspired Josef Albers to create color block squares?

Josef Albers was inspired by the concept that colors can interact with each other and appear different depending on their surroundings.

What types of products feature Josef Albers' color block squares?

There are a variety of products that feature Josef Albers' color block squares, including rugs, quilts, shower curtains, and more.

What is the color theory behind Josef Albers' color block squares?

Josef Albers' color block squares are based on the concept of color interaction and how colors can affect each other when placed in close proximity.

Are the color block squares featured in Josef Albers' designs limited to a certain color palette?

No, Josef Albers' color block squares can be made up of any combination of colors.

Are there any specific care instructions for products featuring Josef Albers' color block squares?

Care instructions for products featuring Josef Albers' color block squares may vary, so it is important to read the specific care instructions for each product.

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