The artwork titled “Blue (Moby Dick),” created by Jackson Pollock in 1943, is an intriguing example of Abstract Expressionism. It is a mixed medium piece employing gouache and ink on composition board, with dimensions measuring 18 3/4 by 23 7/8 inches. Despite its classification within an abstract movement, this piece is recognized as having figurative elements. It currently resides in the Ohara Museum of Art, located in Kurashiki, Japan.
Describing the artwork, one observes a vivid display of blue that dominates the composition, providing a backdrop for the swirling, dynamic interplay of forms and colors. Pollock’s use of a contrasting palette, featuring bold yellows and touches of black and white, enhances the sense of movement and energy throughout the piece. The forms are evocative rather than representational, inviting viewers to interpret the chaotic and fragmented motifs that suggest marine life forms and nautical themes, in line with the title’s reference to Herman Melville’s epic tale, “Moby Dick.” This work captures the essence of Pollock’s innovative approach during a transformative period in his artistic career.
