“Dalet Zayin,” an artwork by Morris Louis, created in 1959, is a notable example of the Color Field Painting movement. Executed on canvas, this abstract piece measures 253.5 x 336.5 cm and belongs to the Veil series. It is currently housed at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra, Australia.
The artwork features bold, sweeping strokes of color that seem to cascade down the canvas, creating a sense of movement and depth. The composition is dominated by rich, saturated hues, primarily in deep blacks, browns, reds, and pinks, which interact fluidly with each other, allowing the colors to bleed and blend at their edges. The overall effect is one of a dynamic yet harmonious interplay of color fields, characteristic of Louis’ innovative approach to abstract expressionism. In “Dalet Zayin,” the artist’s method of pouring paint directly onto the canvas is evident, resulting in a composition that emphasizes the purity of color and the emotional resonance of abstract forms.
