Passage Series

Preview AR preview Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image Send
Details Guide Add to favorites Download Similars X-Ray Diaporama Q&A Stats

Look closer

Every detail, painted by hand

Three spots of the painting, enlarged. Our artists reproduce each of them by hand, at the size you choose.

i.

The heart of the scene.

ii.

Light and background.

iii.

The brushwork.

The painting

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Ward Jackson (1928-2004) was a pivotal American artist in Post Painterly Abstraction & Minimalism, known for his striking diamond-shaped canvases and geometric compositions. His work is featured at the Smithsonian, Whitney & MoMA.

Ward Jackson’s Passage Series: A Meditation on Geometric Harmony

The Passage Series by Ward Jackson stands as a testament to the understated elegance of post painterly abstraction and a profound exploration of geometric principles. Created in 1988, this artwork embodies a deliberate rejection of expressive brushstrokes and vibrant color palettes—a conscious decision to prioritize form and structure above all else—reflecting the broader artistic currents of its time. Jackson’s approach aligns seamlessly with the minimalist movement gaining momentum during the late 20th century, where artists sought to distill visual experience into its purest essence.
  • Subject Matter: The series comprises six distinct geometric shapes – squares, rectangles, triangles – meticulously arranged in a grid format on a canvas of unknown dimensions. These forms are not intended to depict recognizable objects or landscapes; rather, they exist as autonomous entities, inviting contemplation and stimulating visual perception.
  • Style & Technique: Jackson’s technique is characterized by precise execution and a masterful control over color—primarily monochrome shades of gray—creating a striking contrast against the textured surface of the canvas. The artist employed a layering process, applying thin washes of pigment to build up subtle variations in tone and texture, resulting in an ethereal quality that transcends mere visual representation.
  • Historical Context: Emerging from the aftermath of Abstract Expressionism, Jackson’s work represents a pivotal shift away from emotionally charged canvases toward intellectual engagement with geometric abstraction. This stylistic evolution coincided with a growing fascination for mathematical concepts and their application to artistic creation, mirroring broader cultural trends focused on rationality and order.
  • Symbolism & Interpretation: While devoid of overt narrative content, the Passage Series possesses inherent symbolic resonance. The repetition of geometric forms speaks to ideas of balance, harmony, and interconnectedness—concepts frequently explored in Eastern philosophies and influencing contemporary art discourse. Each shape can be interpreted as representing a fundamental element of visual experience, prompting viewers to consider the underlying structure of perception itself.
  • Emotional Impact: Despite its apparent simplicity, the Passage Series evokes a powerful emotional response. The monochrome palette fosters a sense of calm contemplation, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the subtle nuances of texture and tonal gradation. Ultimately, Jackson’s work invites us to appreciate beauty not as an outpouring of emotion but as an achievement of intellectual precision—a celebration of form's ability to communicate profound ideas without resorting to figurative imagery.
The Passage Series resides within prestigious collections including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art, cementing Jackson’s legacy as a pioneer of minimalist abstraction and demonstrating the enduring appeal of geometric harmony in visual art. Its influence continues to inspire artists today who strive to capture complex concepts through elegant simplicity.

Questions & Answers

How is the palette of "Passage Series" by Ward Jackson described?

"Passage Series" by Ward Jackson uses a neutrals color palette. The palette summarizes the work's overall color character.

What does "Passage Series" by Ward Jackson bring to an interior?

With its minimalist mood, "Passage Series" is suggested for a living room.

Where can I buy a hand-painted reproduction of "Passage Series" by Ward Jackson?

"Passage Series" is available as a hand-painted oil reproduction on linen canvas. The order can be placed on its Hand-Painted Reproduction page, with a choice of sizes.

Ward Jackson

Ward Jackson

1928 - 2004, United States of America

The painter

Artist Biography

The Geometry of Abstraction

The studio becomes a space of rigorous structural inquiry. Born in Petersburg, United States of America, Ward Jackson moves through the mid-century American art scene with a focus on the essential properties of form. His education at the Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William and Mary provides the foundation, but the real shift occurs under the guidance of Hans Hofmann. This mentorship anchors his practice in the principles of spatial tension and color interaction, setting the stage for a career defined by the intersection of Post Painterly Abstraction and Minimalism.

His canvases do not merely hold paint; they challenge the traditional rectangular boundary. Jackson becomes known for his striking diamond-shaped canvases, a choice that forces the viewer to confront the physical presence of the object itself. These geometric compositions strip away the unnecessary, leaving only the weight of color and the precision of the line.

Institutional Influence and the Archivist's Eye

Beyond the canvas, Jackson’s life is deeply embedded in the machinery of the art world. He occupies a dual existence: the creator of abstract forms and the meticulous archivist at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. This proximity to the preservation of art history informs his own disciplined approach to composition. He understands the mechanics of how art is categorized and kept, a perspective that mirrors the controlled, deliberate nature of his own visual language.

His influence extends into the discourse of the era through his role as a co-founder and editor of the publication Art Now Gallery Guide. This position places him at the center of the evolving dialogue between artists and the public, bridging the gap between the private act of creation and the public life of the gallery.

A Legacy of Form

The work of Ward Jackson remains a study in the power of the singular shape. His contributions to the development of American modernism are marked by a refusal to rely on the decorative. Instead, he relies on the structural integrity of the diamond and the geometric plane. His presence in major collections, including the Smithsonian, Whitney, and MoMA, confirms the lasting impact of his formal investigations. He remains a figure of significant weight in the history of American abstraction, a painter who understood that the shape of the canvas is as vital as the pigment applied to it.

Quick facts about Ward Jackson

  • Artistic Movement Or Style:
    • Post Painterly Abstraction
    • Minimalism
    • Hard-edge painting
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Hans Hofmann
    • Piet Mondrian
    • Josef Albers
  • Full Name: Ward Jackson
  • Nationality: American
  • Place Of Birth: Petersburg, United States of America
  • Date Of Birth: 1928
  • Date Of Death: 2004

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Have it painted for you

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)

Your commission

Passage Series

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Elite Senior Artist

More detail, finesse, and extra production time

-

Reproduction Frame

-

-

For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.

  • All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.

  • Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.

  • Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.

Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.

Nameplate

-

-

Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

-

Customize My Artwork

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.

-

Urgent

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (9 November). No compromise on quality.

-

Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 5 weeks. (16 November).

Included

Total Price

$ 265

Total Price $ 265

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM

i.

Scale

Slide to your wall: every size keeps the proportions of the original.

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. This is hand-painted, so for a size with a different shape the artist can paint a bit more around the picture, or cut a bit — you choose. We send you a digital mockup to approve before the painting starts. The picture shown on this page does not show the real result — only the mockup does.

ii.

Frame

The frame is drawn on the painting at its true width.

Frame preview
Framed

Corner sample of the WhiteWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
White $1
Corner sample of the BlurSideWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
Blurside $1
Corner sample of the ExtendedWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars
Extended $1
Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
Corner sample of the P118H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118H $10
Corner sample of the P118W picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118W $10
Corner sample of the P438Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P438Z $10
Corner sample of the P508JH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508JH $12
Corner sample of the P508YH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P508YH $12
Corner sample of the P805H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805H $10
Corner sample of the P805Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P805Z $10
Corner sample of the P919BZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919BZ $10
Corner sample of the P919G picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919G $10
Corner sample of the P919XJ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
P919XJ $10
Corner sample of the P959ZH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P959ZH $10
Corner sample of the P968JZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 6 cm wide and 4 cm thick
P968JZ $12
Corner sample of the W106C picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W106C $8
Corner sample of the W218G picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218G $10
Corner sample of the W218JH picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218JH $8
Corner sample of the W218Y picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W218Y $10
Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W307PJ $10
Corner sample of the W316G picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316G $10
Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316PJ $8
Corner sample of the W316Y picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W398PJ $8
Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W4111J $10
Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500HY $15
Corner sample of the W500JH picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
W692G $12
Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W849H $8
Corner sample of the W940BG picture frame: solid wood, 7.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm thick
W940BG $15
Corner sample of the W953PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
W953PJ $8
Corner sample of the H24-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick
H24-GOLD $30
Corner sample of the H24-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick
H24-SILVER $30
Corner sample of the H36-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick
H36-GOLD $45
Corner sample of the H36-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick
H36-SILVER $45

Choose your frame

iii.

Make it yours

A painting made by hand can be made for one person.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, WikiOO.org team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

iv.

Finishing

Nameplate, varnish and delivery.

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

Protective Varnish

Urgent Production

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (9 November). No compromise on quality.

  • Free Worldwide Express Shipping
  • High-Quality Linen Canvas
  • Full Shipping Insurance
  • Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
  • True Color Matching Guarantee
  • 100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
  • 100% Money-Back Guarantee
  • Bulk Discount Offer

Quick facts and art quiz

Quick Facts

  • Year: 1988
  • Artistic style: Minimalism
  • Medium: Painting
  • Subject or theme: Abstract Composition
  • Movement: Post Painterly Abstraction

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic movement is Ward Jackson primarily associated with?
Question 2:
Where can you find reproductions of Ward Jackson's artwork in prominent museums?
Question 3:
What is a distinctive feature of Ward Jackson’s artistic style?
Question 4:
Who influenced Ward Jackson's artistic development?
Question 5:
What is the overall visual effect created by the arrangement of geometric shapes in ‘Passage Series’?
Have it painted