“Beside the Sea No. 20,” created by Robert Motherwell in 1962, is an abstract artwork rendered in oil and paper. This piece falls under the Abstract Expressionism and Lyrical Abstraction art movements. Executed in an abstract genre, the artwork exemplifies Motherwell’s expressive and dynamic style.
The artwork features a predominantly white background with bold, sweeping strokes of vibrant blue and black. A thick horizontal black band dominates the lower portion of the composition, suggesting a sense of grounding. Above this, an irregular, looped shape in blue traces its path upwards, edged by a soft golden hue. Smaller splatters and drips of blue are scattered across the piece, adding a sense of movement and spontaneity. The juxtaposition of these colors and forms evokes a dynamic interaction, reflecting the intensity and freedom characteristic of Abstract Expressionism and Lyrical Abstraction.
