Changes and Disappearances, Number 11

© John Cage

Changes and Disappearances, Number 11

Currently not on view

Changes and Disappearances, Number 11,

1980

John Cage, 1912–1992; born Los Angeles, CA; died New York, NY
Printed by Lilah Toland, American, active 1978–1983
Published by Crown Point Press, established 1962
2006-849.1

Here, Cage alludes to Marcel Duchamp’s technique for chance-based composition by dropping pieces of string onto a metal etching plate to produce lines, allowing gravity to determine their form; lines that landed outside of the plate were deemed "disappearances." The desire to represent indeterminacy, motion, and the experience of chance and fate motivated Cage’s methods throughout his practice.

Information

Title
Changes and Disappearances, Number 11
Dates

1980

Maker
John Cage
Printed by Lilah Toland
Published by Crown Point Press
Medium
Color etching with photo-etching, engraving, and drypoint
Dimensions
28.3 x 66.4 cm. (11 1/8 x 26 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of C. David Robinson, Class of 1957, and Mary Robinson in commemoration of the Fiftieth Reunion of the Class of 1957
Object Number
2006-849.1
Place Made

North America, United States, California, San Francisco

Inscription
Titled, signed, dated and inscribed in graphite, verso lower center: Changes and Disappearances 11 John Cage 1980 (one of three impressions)
Marks/Labels/Seals
Publisher's and printer's stamps in gray on verso at lower left: (Crown Point Press) Lilah Toland / Crown Point Press
Culture
American
Type
etchings, prints
Materials
printing ink
Techniques
etching (printing process), mounting
Subject
abstraction, line

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