Image for Artist Josef Albers

Josef Albers

German 1888-1976

Josef Albers was a German-born American artist and educator who made significant contributions to 20th-century art, particularly in the fields of color theory and abstract art. He is best known for his series "Homage to the Square," in which he explored the interactions of color through the repetition of nested squares. Albers' work was groundbreaking in its exploration of perception, challenging viewers to reconsider how they perceive and interpret color. His teachings at the Bauhaus and later at Black Mountain College and Yale University profoundly influenced generations of artists, emphasizing experimentation, systematic inquiry, and the importance of understanding color relationships. Albers' legacy lies in his innovative approach to color theory, his impact as an educator, and his enduring influence on the development of modern and contemporary art.