Josef Albers' groundbreaking series Homage to the Square comprises roughly two thousand oil paintings. His continuous reflections and refinements for more than 25 years inspired numerous young minimal and conceptual artists in their search for a reduced formal language. This outstanding catalogue explores the secret of Albers' subtle aesthetic and unearths its preconditions: What is the significance of the square? How does his impression of color and its use as a material change during this period? Featuring studies on paper, archival materials, as well as essays by internationally leading Albers experts, Margit Rowell and Donal Judd, this richly illustrated publication sheds light on the various inspirations that influenced Albers early on in Europe and later in America, and illustrates the lasting impact of his art and thinking.

This career-spanning exhibition catalog reveals the enormous artistic achievements-both individual and shared-of two of the greatest pioneers of twentieth-century modernism. Featuring more than two hundred and fifty works, including paintings, photographs, drawings, textiles and furniture, this essential volume traces the creative development of Josef and Anni Albers-both instrumental figures in the development of modernism and abstract art. Illustrated profusely throughout, this book features contributions from leading experts in chapters exploring the couple's relationship and important aspects of their professional partnership, including their meeting at the Bauhaus School and their influential years at Black Mountain College in North Carolina. Wide-ranging essays examine topics such as the influence of Pre-Colombian art; Josef's masterwork Homage to the Square; Anni's jewelry and works on paper; Josef's famed classes at Yale University; and Anni's years as a graphic designer after her husband's death. Both artists are celebrated for their lasting achievements in their respective fields-Josef for his color theory classes at Yale, Anni for her innovative use of unconventional materials. Readers will come away with an appreciation for the Albers' experimentation and innovation; their collaboration and teamwork; their dedication to education and mentorship; and the many ways their work challenged