Pat Steir’s body of work has evolved over the last 45 years into an organic dichotomy of the artist and her art. Her easily recognizable style, often relating to waterfalls, was developed from her in-depth analysis of pigment application; specifically it’s relation to gravity, color layering and density. The actual paint or ink falling down the substrate and forming a recognizable subject (the waterfall) is, in itself, a combination of real and symbolic imagery. In Steir’s monoprints, the presence of the unpredictable “dripping” marks and the subtle and sparse artist’s brushstrokes work together to create her signature style. These complimenting practices allow each work to be both inside and outside of the artist’s control. Pat Steir's paintings and prints have been described as a conversation with the past - specifically with certain art historical movements, from Abstract Expressionism to Romanticism to traditional Chinese painting.
—Pat Steir: Editions & Monoprints, Pace Editions, 2012