The artwork “Addition VII,” created by Morris Louis in 1958, represents a notable example of Color Field Painting, a movement that emerged as part of the larger abstract expressionist genre. The piece is crafted using oil on canvas, spanning dimensions of 274.3 cm in height by 426.7 cm in width. It embodiesthe abstract style distinctive of the period, focusing on large expanses of color and a simplified composition that communicates beyond traditional representational art.
The painting itself exhibits a series of vertically oriented color bands that bleed and fuse into each other. The colors appear vibrant and are applied in such a way that their interaction creates a fluid, almost ethereal effect. The central blue column draws the eye, providing a focal point amid the flanking red tones, while a black or deep gray vertical form at the left edge adds a contrasting anchor to the composition. The subtly overlapping layers and the feathering of edges where colors meet emphasize the painting’s focus on pure color and the emotional resonance it can evoke.
