“Black over Blue,” created by Ellsworth Kelly in 1963, is a notable work within the Hard Edge Painting movement. This abstract piece is currently housed in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in San Francisco, CA, US.
The artwork is characterized by its minimalist composition and striking use of color and form. It features a solid blue rectangle serving as the background, overlaid with a singular, irregularly shaped black form. This black shape extends vertically, slightly undulating in shape, with a pronounced leaning. The contrast between the rich blue background and the dark, dominant black figure exemplifies the principles of Hard Edge Painting by emphasizing clean lines and areas of color demarcation, devoid of expressive brushwork or visible texture. The simplicity and precision of “Black over Blue” impose a contemplative and stark visual experience, emblematic of Ellsworth Kelly’s abstract aesthetic and mastery of form and color.
