Red Yellow Blue White and Black II

Ellsworth Kelly: "Red Yellow Blue White and Black II" (1953)

Ellsworth Kelly's "Red Yellow Blue White and Black II," created in 1953, is a seminal work that exemplifies his exploration of color and form through the medium of oil on canvas, utilizing seven joined panels. This piece is significant in the context of post-war American art, as it reflects Kelly's departure from traditional representation towards abstraction, emphasizing pure color and geometric shapes. The work's composition, with its bold use of primary colors and stark contrasts, underscores Kelly's interest in the interaction between color and space, a theme that would become central to his oeuvre.

Kelly's time in Paris from 1948 to 1954 was instrumental in shaping his artistic vision, as he was influenced by European modernism and the works of artists such as Henri Matisse and Jean Arp. Upon returning to the United States, Kelly became a pivotal figure in the development of Minimalism and Color Field painting, movements that sought to distill art to its essential elements. "Red Yellow Blue White and Black II" is a testament to Kelly's innovative approach, which continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists and audiences alike.

"Red Yellow Blue White and Black II" by Ellsworth Kelly, created in 1953, is an abstract composition made using oil on canvas across seven joined panels, exemplifying the artist's exploration of color and form. The artwork is characterized by its bold use of primary colors and geometric shapes, reflecting Kelly's minimalist style and interest in the interaction of color and space.