Artwork
Astral Grid with Plane
Astral Grid with Plane is a watercolor work on paper by the Contemporary Abstract artist Michael Mason. It dates from 1970 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Michael Mason’s 1970 watercolour, titled Astral Grid with Plane, bears the artist’s signature and date in the lower right corner, with the title noted on the reverse side of the sheet. Executed in transparent washes, the work measures a modest size typical of Mason’s practice and remains in its original condition.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a lattice of muted green and blue squares, some left empty, hovering above a solid blue plane that recedes toward a softly rendered cloudy sky. The juxtaposition of the grid’s geometric order against the expansive sky creates a contemplative tension between structure and atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider spatial perception.
Technique & Style
Mason employs delicate watercolour layers to achieve a subtle tonal range, allowing the grid’s cells to appear almost translucent. The restrained palette of cool hues emphasizes a quiet, ethereal quality, while the contrast between the flat blue plane and the airy sky demonstrates his control of atmospheric perspective within a minimalist framework.
History & Provenance
Signed and dated by the artist, the piece entered the public record through a donation to the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it is catalogued among Mason’s mid‑career works. The museum’s acquisition notes confirm the title’s inscription on the reverse, confirming its authenticity and provenance.
Artist & collection
Artist
Michael Mason painted crisp, geometric shapes in watercolor during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
