“Black-Eyed Susan,” an abstract artwork created in 1988 by Helen Frankenthaler, epitomizes the artistic movements of Color Field Painting and Lyrical Abstraction. This artwork showcases Frankenthaler’s remarkable ability to evoke emotion through color and form, employing a style characteristic of the aforementioned art movements.
The artwork employs a horizontal layout with diverse hues that blend and contrast, creating a dynamic and evocative visual experience. Dominated by expansive areas of vibrant yellow, contrasted with shades of pink and subtle transitions into blue and purple at the top, the composition conveys a sense of depth and tranquility. The spontaneous, fluid application of paint exemplifies the Lyrical Abstraction movement and the influence of Color Field Painting, providing a captivating study in color harmony and visual balance. The presence of darker, encrusted areas adds complexity and texture, enhancing the piece’s abstract nature and inviting thoughtful contemplation from the viewer.
