“Berkeley #22” is an abstract artwork created by Richard Diebenkorn in 1954. This oil painting on canvas is a part of the “Berkeley” series, which spanned from 1953 to 1956. Diebenkorn’s work, a significant contribution to the Abstract Expressionism movement, measures 149.9 by 144.8 centimeters.
The artwork encapsulates the essence of Abstract Expressionism, blending various hues and bold strokes to create a dynamic and multifaceted composition. The painting is characterized by its vibrant interplay of colors, including shades of blue, gray, orange, red, and yellow. These colors are applied in a seemingly spontaneous yet deliberately controlled manner, evoking a sense of movement and depth. Large swathes of paint, mixed with more delicate lines and forms, stretch across the canvas, inviting viewers to interpret the abstract arrangement in multiple ways. The overall impression is one of energetic complexity, reflecting Diebenkorn’s exploration of forms and spatial relationships within the abstract genre.
