TRIII
TR III is a zinc plate embossing print created by Albers later in her career. It is a vibrant abstract print which shows Albers’ interest in exploring various printing techniques including embossing and etching, and materials like this metallic plate. The simple rows of triangles are characteristic of her experiments in printmaking that point to the influence of pre-Columbian textiles that inspired her during several trips to Mexico. After 40 years of weaving at her loom – a physically demanding task – Albers shifted her practice into printmaking in 1963. Printing gave Albers the opportunity to continue her experiments in ‘textile language’ on paper, relating to colour, texture, pattern and surface qualities. While Albers did not keep sketchbooks throughout her career, she did continually create textile samples which provided her with an archive of ideas to reference in her printmaking.