The artwork titled “Beta Upsilon,” created by Morris Louis in 1960, is an exemplary piece from the Color Field Painting art movement. Executed using acrylic on canvas, this abstract creation measures a substantial 618.5 x 260.4 cm and belongs to the artist’s “Unfurled” series.
In this artwork, the composition features broad, flowing bands of color emanating from the left and right edges toward the center, where the vast expanse of white canvas creates a striking contrast. The carefully orchestrated placement and melding of colors evoke a sense of fluidity and openness, characteristic of Louis’s mastery in manipulating hue and form. The edges of the vibrant colors stand in stark opposition to the pristine white space, manifesting a delicate balance between movement and stillness. The piece, devoid of any defined shapes or figures, allows the viewer to immerse themselves purely in the emotive quality of the colors and the expansive canvas, a hallmark of the Color Field Painting style.
