Frances Borofsky (1913-2013)

Frances Borofsky (American, 1913–2013) was an American artist and sculptor whose practice encompassed both figurative and abstract modes. While she is best known for her sculptural portrait heads and representational works, Borofsky also explored abstraction, particularly in works on paper that emphasize color, movement, and spatial balance. Her training in traditional form informed all aspects of her work, even when she moved away from literal representation.

This abstract composition demonstrates Borofsky’s interest in rhythmic structure and color harmony. Organized around a circular format, the work features overlapping arcs and fluid forms rendered in translucent washes of blue, green, yellow, and red. The use of watercolor allows color to flow and interact organically, creating a sense of motion and internal balance. Though non-representational, the composition retains a strong sense of order, reflecting the artist’s disciplined approach to form.

Borofsky’s abstract works reveal a quieter, more experimental side of her practice, one that complements her figurative sculpture rather than contradicts it. By working between abstraction and representation, she engaged broader mid-century artistic concerns while maintaining a personal visual language grounded in structure and restraint. This work exemplifies her ability to translate classical sensitivity into modern, abstract expression.