“Delta Kappa,” created in 1960 by Morris Louis, is an eminent exemplar of the Color Field Painting movement. Executed with magna on canvas, this abstract artwork belongs to the “Unfurled” series and is currently housed at the Dallas Museum of Art in Dallas, Texas, USA.
The artwork features expansive areas of pure, unadulterated color with a clear focus on creating an atmospheric effect. The central composition is dominated by an off-white expanse, bordered by cascading vertical bands of vibrant hues. These bands, in shades of red, yellow, blue, green, black, and white, create a dynamic interplay, converging towards the lower center, yet leaving a large, serene void. The use of magna, a type of acrylic resin paint, allowed Louis to achieve a seamless flow of color, contributing to the painting’s ethereal quality. The minimalism and subtle gradations inherent in “Delta Kappa” evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation, characteristic of the Color Field Painting movement.
