A work of pure abstraction that confuses the eye as to which is field and ground. The physical object that comes to mind for me, if this were
treated like a Rorschach test, would be something close to a bridge supported by
roman arches. |
The interplay of elements is the subject of this work. There is no recognizable
object here, which causes at least a portion of its content to be the viewer’s
reaction to it. This work is built with acrylic on linen, and is somewhat
inaccessible. Elementally, this work is quite simple. Colorless, absolute values, shape, edge
and a hint of texture around those edges create this work.
Placement of dense values tends to be nearer to the top of the canvas. This,
and the ratio of dark to light create an excellent example of ambiguous space. This work’s pictorial balance point is in the center of
the canvas. This is quite an accomplishment, because Motherwell had to position
the values, points of penetration and moments of force very carefully to
achieve this, a difficult challenge for asymmetric works.
This work attempts to be indefinable and vague. However there are some factual
statements that can be made. Two values residing on absolute ends of the scale create
everything seen on the canvas. There is equal portions of the canvas devoted to
them, creating switching, ambiguous space. All edges are crisp, and there are
straight edges contrasting against rounded ones.
There is certain movement along the sharp edge on the left half of the canvas,
and where the dark values penetrate into the light on the right half. The picture plane is used to underscore the lateral tension inherent in this work;
width is close to three times the scale of height.
Because the subject is not recognizable, some observers might be frustrated with
this work and dismiss it. However, Motherwell’s careful use of only a handful of
elements combine to create a unified work.
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