Karl Zerbe "Gem 54", Neon Abstract Figural Collage

Karl Zerbe (German/American, 1903-1972). "Harlem, Gem 54" - 1966, acrylic, cut paper, and mixed media on paper. Painting on handmade paper depicts dancing and posing human figures in silhouette composed of cut paper and painted with vibrant neon hues, applied to an abstract ground with lettering and numbering in neon pink and a band at bottom of the same color. This page has been applied to a sheet of golden woven silk with metallic thread, which has been applied to an unpainted sheet of handmade paper. Inscribed on top paper at center "Zerbe", bottom paper lower left "Zerbe", bottom paper lower right "Gem 54", and on verso "Zerbe, 1966, Gem 54, Harlem". Also on verso, a partially torn gallery label reads "Gem 54 harlem 16x12, acrylic collage 1966, Contemporary American Paintings and Sculpture, 831 Madison Avenue, New York 21, TRafalgar 9-2250". Alternate label on verso gives cleaning instructions for Plexiglas. Framed 18.75" x 14.75".