“Black Lines 1” is an abstract artwork by Georgia O’Keeffe, created in 1916 and associated with the Abstract Art movement. Its genre is abstract, meaning that it does not represent a specific visual reality but rather uses shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect.
The artwork consists of bold, black lines against a pale background. A centrally featured elongated vertical line is flanked by another irregularly shaped line, creating a sense of asymmetry and movement. The black lines are set upon a neutral, almost blank canvas, which imparts a stark contrast that emphasizes the simplicity and elegance of the lines. Beneath these vertical elements, a solid horizontal black form grounds the composition, adding a sense of balance and foundation to the otherwise ethereal vertical strokes. The minimalist approach taken by O’Keeffe in this piece reflects a departure from representational art, focusing instead on the power of pure form and line to convey emotion and abstraction.