“1949-A-No.1” by Clyfford Still, created in 1949, is an oil painting embodying the Abstract Expressionism movement. The artwork, with dimensions spanning 236.2 x 200.7 cm, is a prime example of abstract genre artistry.
In the artwork, expansive black fields dominate the surface, disrupted by irregular patches of deep red and smaller, less frequent areas of mustard yellow and muted blue-gray. This complex interplay of colors, set against one another without clear boundaries, creates a sense of dynamic tension and raw emotion. The biomorphic shapes and the contrasting hues invoke a feeling of both chaos and balance, characteristic of Still’s unique approach to color field painting. The absence of identifiable forms encourages viewers to immerse themselves in the visceral experience of the piece, appreciating the emotional depth conveyed through its abstract nature.
