“Gamma Tau,” created by Morris Louis in 1960, is a magna-on-canvas artwork measuring 261 by 422.9 cm. This piece is representative of the Color Field Painting movement and belongs to the “Unfurled” series, classified within the abstract genre.
The artwork features a striking composition dominated by broad swathes of vibrant colors cascading diagonally from the upper corners toward the bottom edges of the canvas, leaving a vast expanse of blank space in the center. The cascading ribbons of colors create a dynamic and visually engaging contrast against the stark white background, emphasizing the interplay between space and color. The use of magna paint, a form of acrylic resin, allows for bold and fluid transitions of hues, enhancing the sense of movement and flow within the composition. This piece exemplifies Louis’s exploration of color and form, characteristic of the Color Field Painting movement, which focuses on color as the primary means of expression.
