“Circle Line,” created by Ellsworth Kelly in 1951, belongs to the Minimalism and Concretism art movements and is categorized under abstract genre. The artwork exemplifies Kelly’s dedication to simplicity and purity of form which are hallmarks of these movements.
The artwork consists of a single, crisply drawn black circle centered within a stark white square canvas. The simplicity of the design draws attention to the precision and clarity of the line, emphasizing the interplay between the geometric form and the surrounding negative space. This minimalist approach reflects Kelly’s intent to distill art to its essential elements, removing complexity and distraction, and focusing the viewer’s attention on the fundamentals of shape and composition. The absence of color and additional forms underscores a sense of balance and harmony intrinsic to minimalist and concrete art.