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Samuel Kudish Void #1 Black and White Cross Relief Tempura on Plywood 1977/78

Creator: Samuel Kuddish
Offered by: Appleton

Description
This monumental wall-mounted sculptural painting, titled Void #1, was created by Samuel Kudish in 1977–1978 in the artist’s Israeli studio, shortly before his relocation to Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Executed in tempera on plywood, the work exemplifies Kudish’s mature engagement with architectural form, spatial perception, and the dialogue between painting and sculpture.

The composition takes the form of a bold black-and-white cross perhaps referencing the Suprematist paintings of Malevich and Maholy- Nagy., It is constructed in deep relief, projecting outward from the wall to create a powerful sense of depth and shadow. The recessed central void—painted in matte black—functions as both a physical and conceptual focal point, inviting the viewer to consider absence as an active compositional element. The crisp white exterior planes contrast sharply with the dark interior volumes, heightening the work’s optical tension and sculptural clarity.

Kudish’s background in monumental art, mosaics, fresco, and architectural commissions is clearly evident in the work’s precision and structural authority. The piece reflects his lifelong interest in integrating fine art with built space, an approach shaped by his academic training in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Lviv, as well as his extensive experience executing large-scale public works in Israel and the former Soviet Union.

Created during a pivotal transitional period in the artist’s career, Void #1 stands as a compelling example of Kudish’s postwar abstraction—where geometry, material, and negative space converge. The work is both visually commanding and conceptually restrained, making it an exceptional statement piece for contemporary interiors or collections focused on late 20th-century sculptural painting.

More Information

Documentation:	Certificate of Authenticity
Origin:	Israel
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Tempura on Plywood
Condition:	Good. Good with minor evidence of age
Creation Date:	c.1977
Styles / Movements:	Other, Modern, Mid Century
Incollect Reference #:	841510

Dimensions

W.	55 in;	H.	60 in;	D.	14 in;
W.	139.7 cm;	H.	152.4 cm;	D.	35.56 cm;

Shipping Information:

15% Reshelving Charge. Ask about competitive S&H rates.

Message from Seller:

Established in 1984, Appleton offers a curated selection of 20th Century furniture, tables, chairs, and décor, featuring works by iconic designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Edward Wormley. For inquiries, contact us at appletonarts@gmail.com.