The artwork titled “Lot and Square,” created by the artist Sam Gilliam in 2007, is a notable example of Lyrical Abstraction, a movement that emphasizes spontaneous and emotive expression through abstract form. The genre of this piece is identified as abstract, reflecting the artist’s departure from representational imagery in favor of exploring the aesthetic potential of shape, color, and composition.
Upon examination of the artwork, one is immediately struck by the vivid and flowing colors that dominate the composition. The use of bold, saturated hues creates a dynamic visual experience, while the fluid transitions between colors suggest movement and a sense of blending and merging. The arrangement seems to consist of multiple panels, each serving as a distinct canvas for the interplay of colors, yet they all come together to form a cohesive whole.
The use of vertical and staggered positioning of panels adds depth and an architectural dimension to the piece, challenging traditional two-dimensional constraints and engaging the viewer’s perception of space. The choice of colors and their application result in a rhythmical quality that resonates with the core tenets of Lyrical Abstraction, where emotion and the act of painting itself take center stage. Evident is a freedom from figurative constraints, inviting contemplation on the evocative power of color and form to communicate beyond the realm of the literal.
