“New River Watercolor, Series I, No. 3,” created in 1988 by John Cage, is a prominent piece within the Abstract Expressionism movement, falling under the abstract genre. The artwork exhibits a vivid display of spontaneous brushwork and fluid forms, characteristic of Cage’s approach to abstract expressionism.
The artwork features a dynamic interplay of colors and forms on a light background. Horizontal, layered strokes in muted tones stretch across the upper portion, grounding the composition. Interspersed with these layers are free-flowing lines and splashes of green, red, purple, and orange hues. The curving lines and splatters emanate energy and movement, creating an engaging visual rhythm. The use of broad, sweeping gestures and the layering of translucent washes generate a sense of depth and fluidity, encapsulating the essence of abstract expressionism.
