“Ebb Tide,” an oil painting by Norman Lewis created in 1975, is a striking example of Abstract Expressionism. The abstract work measures 119 x 203 cm and, true to its genre, encapsulates the dynamic and fluid nature of abstraction.
In the artwork, a series of rhythmic, swirling forms dominate the lower half, rendered in shades of white and light grey against a predominantly dark, almost black background. These fluid shapes seem to undulate across the canvas, evoking a sense of motion akin to waves ebbing and flowing, which aligns with the painting’s title. Above these forms, an area of deep blue emerges, suggesting a water source or a sky, lending the piece a stark yet serene contrast. The overall impression is one of contemplative movement, where the juxtaposition of light and dark, stillness and motion, captures the viewer’s gaze. The painting’s abstract nature encourages viewers to engage with it on an emotional and interpretive level, typical of the Abstract Expressionist movement.
