Sam Francis - "WHERE MY RED TOMATO" Original Lithograph from 'One Cent Life' Portfolio (1964)
 
Discover a powerful and authentic piece of modern art history: Sam Francis's vibrant original lithograph, "WHERE MY RED TOMATO," created for the legendary 'One Cent Life' portfolio in 1964.
 
This captivating two-panel print immerses you in Francis's unmistakable style. It explodes with his characteristic spontaneous splashes of red, vivid blues, and sunny yellows against a pristine white ground. Every element is infused with his signature boundless energy and luminous abstraction, epitomising his unique blend of Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting. 
 
As a key contributing artist and the editor of "One Cent Life" alongside Walasse Ting, Sam Francis's inclusion is central to this groundbreaking collaborative publication's enduring legacy. This landmark project brought together 28 of the era's most influential artists, defining a pivotal moment in both Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism.
 
Key Details & Why It's Exceptional:
 
Artist: Sam Francis (1923-1994) – A leading figure of the second generation of Abstract Expressionism, globally celebrated for his unique approach to Color Field painting.
Title: "WHERE MY RED TOMATO" – An iconic and visually striking work that exemplifies Francis's style.
Origin: From the iconic 'One Cent Life' portfolio (published 1964) – An authentic vintage piece from a pivotal art historical publication.
Year on Print: 1972 Corresponds to its original printing date within the portfolio release.
Medium: Original Lithograph (issued as a double-page spread) – Not a reproduction, ensuring authenticity and significant collectible value.
Dimensions: 58cm x 89 cm for the full double-page spread – An ideal, commanding size for framing and display.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The colors remain remarkably vibrant and strong for its age, and the paper is beautifully preserved. As issued in the portfolio, it features a very light original central fold/crease that runs vertically down the middle, with minimal signs of handling otherwise.
We can advise and organise framing for this piece. Email us: info@aspectprints.com
 
A Coveted Piece for Serious Collectors:
 
As an authentic period piece by one of the 20th century's most important American artists, this Sam Francis lithograph is a commanding statement for:
Collectors of modern art and post-war abstraction.
Those who appreciate Abstract Expressionist prints and Pop Art lithographs.
Individuals seeking rare artworks with significant art historical provenance.
 
Investment & Aesthetic Value:
 
Original lithographs from celebrated artists and landmark publications like 'One Cent Life' are increasingly sought after, making this a wise artistic investment. Its distinctive abstract style and vibrant palette will add sophistication and intellectual depth to any interior, making it a powerful and iconic statement piece for any serious collector.
 
About 'One Cent Life' (1¢ Life) Portfolio:
 
Published in 1964, "One Cent Life" was a revolutionary artist's book and poetry anthology edited by Sam Francis and Walasse Ting. It featured 62 original lithographs by some of the most prominent artists of the time, including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jim Dine, Joan Mitchell, Robert Indiana, and many others. It offered a vibrant cross-section of the Pop Art and Abstract Expressionist movements, cementing its place as a cornerstone of 20th-century art publishing.