The Polar Coordinates series prints were based on geometric  compositions that characterize Frank Stella's Saskatchewan Series paintings. The outlines of a quatrefoil, variously dissected and reversed, are the basis of the prints, each creating a different but equally dynamic composition. Aside from the quatrefoil shape, the paintings have little in common with the prints. While the paintings are composed of flat, even planes of pure color, the prints are bristling with exploding grids  and energetic scribbles. Each print is made of multiple layers of screenprinting and lithography, resulting in the rich and organic texture that endows the whirling works.

Frank Stella Flin Flon VI, 1970, acrylic on canvas painting the forms of which inspired the Polar Co-ordinates series prints
Frank Stella Flin Flon VI, 1970, acrylic on canvas painting the forms of which inspired the Polar Co-ordinates series prints

The title of the series is derived from polar coordinates graph paper, which consists of lines that radiate from the center, an element that is echoed in the compositions of the prints. Ronnie Peterson was a friend of Stella and a Swedish auto racer who died in a race at the same time that Stella was working on the prints, inspiring Stella to dedicate the series to his departed friend. The energetic curves and swooping lines of the prints evoke the momentum of racing. The theme of racing appears again in Stella's Circuits Series and Race Track Series.

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates I, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates I, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates II, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates II, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates III, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates III, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates IV, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates IV, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates V, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates V, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates VI, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates VI, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates VII, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates VII, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates VIII, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates VIII, 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates Variant Ia 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates Variant Ia 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates Variant IIIa 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980
Frank Stella Polar Co-ordinates Variant IIIa 1980 from the Polar Co-ordinates for Ronnie Peterson Series, 1980

       

An interesting addition to the series is a BMW which was hand painted in 1979 after the motifs of the prints as a custom work for race car driver and Stella's close friend Peter Gregg. The car is an additional tribute to  Ronnie Peterson, who was a friend of both Gregg and Stella.

Enjoy our collection of fine art Frank Stella prints.