The artwork titled “1956-D” crafted by the artist Clyfford Still in the year 1956 employs oil as its medium and stands as an exemplar of the Color Field Painting movement. Measuring 291 x 406 cm, this abstract piece resides at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in San Francisco, California, United States.
The artwork presents an imposing composition characterized by vast expanses of dark hues juxtaposed with vertical bands of brown and black. The borders are irregular, adding a dynamic, almost frayed edge to the overall form. The application of the paint exhibits a raw, unrefined quality, where the subtle gradients within the dark sections are visible upon closer inspection. The dominant use of somber tones evokes an intense, introspective atmosphere, emphasizing the existential themes frequently explored within Still’s oeuvre. The stark contrast between the deep shades and the surrounding neutral spaces enhances the emotional impact, inviting observers to immerse themselves in the contemplative voids and stark interplays within the painting.
