Born in 1923 in San Mateo, California, Sam Francis embarked on his artistic journey with a fascination for the interplay of colour and light. He was greatly influenced by the works of European artists such as Joan Miró and Wassily Kandinsky, and his exposure to these influences laid the foundation for his later exploration of abstraction. However, it was during his time spent in Pasadena, California, in the 1960s that he created what would become his iconic Pasadena Box Prints.

The Pasadena Box Prints, a series of lithographs, represent a pivotal moment in Francis's career. These works were not only an exploration of colour but also a reflection of his ongoing experimentation with different artistic techniques. In these prints, Francis's mastery of colour and his intuitive approach to art are on full display. He used a range of vibrant and bold hues, creating compositions that seemed to dance with energy and emotion.

What sets the Pasadena Box Prints apart is the way in which they were created. Francis employed a method of layering colours, sometimes using up to 12 separate lithographic plates to build up the final image. This meticulous layering allowed him to achieve a depth of colour and complexity that was both visually stunning and emotionally evocative. The prints are a visual symphony, with each colour and shape harmonizing and contrasting with the others. The lithograph here is the first composition in the Pasadena Box series and is a great example of Francis’ creativity.