The artwork “New York City I” is an oil on canvas created by Piet Mondrian in 1942, embodying the principles of Neoplasticism. Measuring 119.3 x 114.2 cm, this abstract piece is currently located at the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, France. The genre of this artwork is abstract, and it is recognized for its geometric composition and use of primary colors, which are characteristics of Mondrian’s distinct style.
The artwork consists of a grid of vertical and horizontal lines, predominantly colored yellow, which create a series of rectangles and squares of varying sizes across the canvas. Interspersed within the yellow grid are select bold lines colored in red and blue, adding contrast to the composition and drawing the eye to the relationships between the colors and shapes. The use of primary colors, along with black and white, is a hallmark of Mondrian’s work and showcases his dedication to a simplified visual language meant to convey universal aesthetic and spiritual values. In this piece, there is a notable absence of black lines, which Mondrian used earlier in his career to separate color planes. This evolution in his style coincides with his time in New York City, which the title of the artwork reflects. The painting’s geometric structure suggests a sense of dynamic equilibrium, and the placement of colors appears carefully considered, striving for a balance between asymmetry and symmetry—a foundational aspect of Mondrian’s artistic philosophy.
