“Phi” is an abstract artwork created by Morris Louis between 1960 and 1961. Executed in acrylic on canvas, this piece belongs to the Color Field Painting movement and is part of the “Unfurled” series. The artwork is currently housed in the Tate Modern in London, United Kingdom.
The artwork primarily features broad, fluid bands of color that fan out diagonally across the canvas, leaving large areas of blank space. The colors include shades of blue, yellow, purple, and green, which are applied in a manner that suggests a sense of movement and spontaneity. The arrangement and interactions of these colors create a harmonious yet dynamic composition, embodying the principles of Color Field Painting that emphasize simplicity, clarity, and the emotional resonance of pure color. The unprimed canvas allows the acrylic paint to soak in, further enhancing the richness and depth of the hues.
