The painting Lozenge Composition With Yellow, Black, Blue, Red, and Gray by Piet Mondrian is an iconic piece of 20th-century art. Created in 1921 and measuring 60x60cm, the artwork features a daring cubism-inspired composition. The Art Institute of Chicago acquired this painting in 1969.
Lozenge Composition With Yellow, Black, Blue, Red and Gray marks a unique moment in the development of Mondrian’s artistic style. As he leaned away from Expressionism towards abstract works — this painting marks one of his first steps in that journey. His characteristic use of flat color coupled with bold lines is showcased throughout the work — with flat reds offsetting the stricter navy blues and blacks for contrast. This piece foreshadows his later pieces such as Lozenge Composition With Red, Black, Blue and Yellow created in 1925.
The painting looks strikingly modern even today — almost a century after it was made. It is no wonder this striking work has been celebrated worldwide – studied both for its artistry and its strong blend of Cubist techniques within an abstract context .Analyzing these techniques allows viewers to gain insight into not only the The Art Institute of Chicago’s esteemed collection but also our general impression of 20th-century art as a whole.
