Per-Se

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TitlePer-Se

Artist Barbara Adrian (American, 1931 - 2014)

Datec. 1980

MediumOil on Masonite

DimensionsDiameter: 20 in. (50.8 cm)

SignedSigned lower right: "Adrian"

SubmissionANA diploma presentation, September 16, 1992

Credit LineNational Academy of Design, New York, NY

Object number1992.32

Label TextBarbara Adrian began to execute a series of paintings of monkey bars on New York City playgrounds in the early 1950's. She continues to paint this subject fifty years later, although in the 1980's the cubical metal latticework monkey bars were dismantled and replaced on the more than 860 playgrounds in New York City by a new plastic equipment safer but somewhat less aesthetically appealing to the artist. Adrian studied with Reginald Marsh from 1947 to 1954, and has been an instructor at the Art Students League since 1968. "I do not explain my work," she said "people bring to it what they will." Hence the Latin title of this painting which means "by itself."