“Beside the Sea No. 22” is a work by the artist Robert Motherwell, created in 1962. This artwork falls within the Abstract Expressionism and Lyrical Abstraction movements and is categorized under the abstract genre.
The artwork features a predominant use of blue and black hues on a light background. The composition is marked by sporadic splashes and strokes of blue, creating a vertical and somewhat organic pattern that evokes a sense of motion and fluidity. Below this splattering of blue, a more solid horizontal band of rich, deep black is present, which might suggest the sea as implied by the title. The overall visual impact is one of dynamic contrast, with the stark juxtaposition of light and dark elements, and the fluid, expressive lines which embody the essence of Abstract Expressionism. The simplicity and power of the composition reflect Motherwell’s mastery in conveying emotional intensity through minimalist abstract forms.
