“Blue and Red,” created in 1951 by Ellsworth Kelly, exemplifies the Hard Edge Painting movement and belongs to the abstract genre.
The artwork features a strikingly minimal composition, divided into two equal horizontal bands. The upper portion of the canvas is rendered in a deep, vibrant blue, while the lower segment is filled with a rich, bold red. This stark contrast between the two solid colors exemplifies Kelly’s exploration of geometric forms and his emphasis on clarity and precision. The simplicity and purity of the colors, along with the sharp delineation between the two sections, convey a sense of balance and harmony. “Blue and Red” reflects Kelly’s dedication to abstraction and his ability to evoke strong visual impact through the use of basic shapes and primary colors.