“Beside the Sea No. 24,” created circa 1962 by Robert Motherwell, is a silkscreen piece within the Abstract Expressionism and Lyrical Abstraction movements. The artwork is abstract in genre, reflecting Motherwell’s characteristic boldness and originality.
The artwork features a stark, horizontal black band near the bottom, which might suggest a seashore or horizon. Above this band, spontaneous and dynamic black ink splatters radiate upwards and outwards, creating a sense of movement and energy. The ink splatters are interspersed with both thick and thin lines, embodying a sense of improvisation and freeform expression. The use of negative space plays a crucial role, with the untouched areas of the silkscreen emphasizing the chaos and freedom of the black forms. The simplicity in color palette coupled with the complex and random nature of the splatters evokes an emotional response, drawing viewers into contemplation of the relationship between order and chaos, reflective of the sea’s untamable nature juxtaposed with a peaceful horizon.
