The primary element and background are both rendered in six colors of the
rainbow across six canvases. The meandering strokes are placed and split from
each other in a way that creates balance in each individual framework and when the six are arranged in any
order. The simplicity of this series is very elegant. |
A field of multi-colored strokes placed against a solid ground of relatively
pure color is the subject of this series. While there is consistent movement
and highly structured variety, balance characterizes this work (content).
Line does the heavy lifting. Six strokes of equal measure, one for each color of
the rainbow (arguably sans indigo), meander and intertwine consistently across
each canvas. The backgrounds are adjusted slightly in value to differentiate
the strokes of the same color from those backgrounds.
The manner of the complicated network the strokes create result in the illusion
of depth. This is primarily accomplished through elemental overlap and a sort
of reverse-diminution that causes the tangles to appear close to each other.
The pace and manner of stroke direction changes are so
even that approximate symmetry is nearly implied. The energy and constricted
variety of the network would better be described as static asymmetry, in my
opinion.
Calm and harmony are created through line measure, direction and character. The
dimensions of color provide variety because of the wide range used. The
specific color stops are consistent, however, underpinning the orderly tone of
this work.
Elemental distribution is homogenous; eye movement is not tightly controlled.
There are moments in the canvas series where shapes reveal themselves because
of relatively extreme contrasts in background and line value; for example in
the yellow and purple canvases.
Each canvas is “focused in” to the subject matter in a consistent manner, and
one of the results is carefully considered cropping of certain elements. This
is in opposition to the formal choice to “trap” or contain all movement within
the picture plane.
I can only imagine how much effort it took to create six canvases with the same
energy and elemental disbursement while simultaneously giving each scene a
unique self-contained character (six years, apparently). Marden’s execution and
the resulting creations are truly pleasing and masterful.
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