“Expansion in Four Directions” is an abstract artwork by Max Bill, created between 1961 and 1962. The artwork, falling within the art movement known as Concretism, features distinct geometric forms and precision, encapsulating the essence of this movement. It has dimensions of 186.7 x 186.7 cm and is prominently displayed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork is comprised of a large square set at a diagonal angle, presenting itself as a diamond shape. At its core, there is a central white square that serves as the focal point. Surrounding this white square is an assemblage of colored segments: a combination of different colors bordering each side. To its top is a segment of green bordered by a small section of red, to the right is a bright blue next to an area of orange, while to the bottom is an expanse of green beneath a thin strip of pink. The left side is made up of a lavender hue contrasted by yellow. This arrangement of color and shape echoes mathematical precision and harmony, characteristic of the Concretism movement, and invites the viewer’s eye to explore the symmetry and balance inherent in the composition.
