Created by Richard Diebenkorn in 1951, the artwork titled “#22 (Albuquerque)” is a quintessential example of Abstract Expressionism, executed in oil on canvas. It measures approximately 97.8 by 142.9 cm and is part of Diebenkorn’s “Albuquerque” series from 1951-1952. The work exemplifies the abstract genre, showcasing the artist’s exploration of color and form that defined his early career.
The artwork presents a complex array of earthy tones, with large expanses of ochre and tan hues that dominate the composition. Sharp lines and organic shapes intersect and overlay, creating a sense of depth and movement. A textured quality to some of the painted areas suggests a physicality to the work, where the medium of oil paint becomes a landscape unto itself. There’s a subtle play between the abstract forms and the layered surface detail that invites closer examination. The sense of balance and tension achieved through the placement of colors and lines reflects the artist’s ability to harmonize disparate elements within the canvas. As an abstract piece, it does not attempt to depict a visual reality but rather invokes emotion and contemplation through its varied application of paint and the dynamic interplay between its compositional elements.
