Pattern and Decoration Ornament as Promise

The publication undertakes a comprehensive reappraisal of a hitherto nearly overlooked American art movement, Pattern and Decoration (1975 -1985).By reclaiming colour, variation of forms as well as sensuality, artists such as Valerie Jaudon, Robert Kushner and Miriam Schapiro radically distinguished themselves from the predominant Minimal Art and Concept Art at that time.Pattern and Decoration questioned not only traditional notions of art, but also addressed broader political and social issues like the position of women or ethnic minorities in the global art scene.Works within this movement have mostly been overlooked when compared to other movements of the time. The work challenges the traditions of art, as well as larger, global issues, such as the position of women, of Native Americans or ethnic minorities within the art world, seeking to offer an alternative perspective to the male-dominated and predominantly Western view of art.Published on the occasion of the exhibition, Pattern and Decoration: Ornament as Promise at Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst, Aachen (21 September 2018 - 13 January 2019), and at mumok/Museum moderner Kunst Stiftung, Vienna (22 February - 1 September 2019).