Ellsworth Kelly
Black Yellow, 1970-1972
Lithograph
34 x 39 3/4 in
86.4 x 101 cm
86.4 x 101 cm
Edition of 55
Ellsworth Kelly's curiosity towards geometry was fundamental to his artistic vision and played a central role in shaping his iconic style. Throughout his career, Kelly was deeply engaged with the formal properties of geometric shapes, exploring their inherent beauty and the dynamic relationships they create within a composition.
From an early age, Kelly demonstrated an affinity for geometry, finding inspiration in the clean lines and precise forms of architectural structures and natural phenomena. This fascination with geometric shapes would become a defining feature of his work, manifesting in his paintings, sculptures, and prints.
One of the most notable aspects of Kelly's exploration of geometry was his commitment to simplicity and clarity. He sought to distill complex visual experiences into their purest forms, often reducing his compositions to basic geometric shapes such as squares, rectangles, circles, and triangles. By stripping away extraneous detail, Kelly allowed the inherent qualities of these shapes to come to the forefront, emphasizing their proportions, relationships, and interactions with space.
Kelly's interest in geometry was not limited to mere representation; rather, it served as a means of exploring fundamental principles of visual perception and spatial organization. Through careful manipulation of scale, color, and arrangement, he created compositions that elicited a sense of harmony and balance, inviting viewers to engage with the underlying structure of his work on both intellectual and aesthetic levels.
Furthermore, Kelly's fascination with geometry extended beyond two-dimensional surfaces to encompass three-dimensional space. He frequently translated his geometric investigations into sculptures characterized by sleek, minimalist forms that interacted dynamically with their surroundings. Whether suspended from the ceiling, standing freely in a gallery, or integrated into architectural environments, Kelly's sculptures invited viewers to experience geometric shapes in a tangible, spatial context.
Geometry was not simply an aesthetic preference but a profound exploration of form, space, and perception for Kelly. Through his rigorous experimentation with geometric shapes, he forged a distinctive artistic language that continues to captivate and inspire audiences, demonstrating the enduring power and beauty of geometric abstraction.
March 2, 2024
