The artwork titled “Lucifer” was created by artist Jackson Pollock in 1947. It is a mixed technique on canvas and exemplifies the action painting movement, an energetic form of abstract expressionism. The work measures 267.9 cm in height and 104.1 cm in width, encapsulating Pollock’s distinctive approach to abstraction.
“Lucifer” is characterized by its complex and dynamic composition, with a dense overlay of dripped, splattered, and flung paint. The artwork encapsulates a sense of frenetic energy and movement, which is typical of Pollock’s signature drip painting style. The color palette consists of predominantly black and white strokes interspersed with splashes of vibrant colors such as red, yellow, orange, green, and purple, which add depth and intensity to the visual chaos. The background appears rough and textured, indicating the layering of paint and other materials employed in its creation. The lack of a central focal point and the all-over composition invite viewers to interpret the work in a personal and subjective manner, thereby engaging actively with the piece.
Pollock’s method, often performed by laying the canvas on the ground and pouring paint from above, allowed him to achieve a direct and immediate transfer of gesture to the surface, a hallmark of the action painting technique. The intricate weave of lines and an almost fractal arrangement contribute to “Lucifer” being a quintessential example of Pollock’s groundbreaking work within the abstract genre, encapsulating the spirit of spontaneity, improvisation, and transformation that define his oeuvre.
