“Beta Delta,” created by Morris Louis in 1961, is a stunning example of Color Field Painting, an art movement characterized by large fields of flat, solid color spread across or stained into the canvas to create areas of unbroken surface and a flat picture plane. Crafted with magna on canvas, this abstract piece measures 256.5 x 401.3 cm and belongs to the “Unfurled” series of Louis’ works.
The artwork depicts a broad expanse of negative space, with two vibrant, parallel arcs of color unfolding from the upper edges downward towards the central bottom of the canvas. These sweeping bands of color, featuring a spectrum ranging from deep blues and reds to bright yellows and greens, create a dynamic interplay between the expanse of unadorned canvas and the vivid streams of paint. The composition invites viewers to contemplate the balance between the colorful elements and the void they define, epitomizing the contemplative and immersive qualities inherent in Color Field Painting.
