“New York III,” created by Helen Frankenthaler in 1972, is a notable work within the Color Field Painting and Post-Painterly Abstraction movements. This abstract artwork is a distinguished representation of Frankenthaler’s innovative and expressive use of color and space.
The artwork features a predominantly white canvas, upon which two distinct areas of yellow and mustard hues are applied with a fluidity characteristic of Frankenthaler’s style. The upper section of the work showcases a horizontal stroke of greenish-yellow, with subtle textures that create a sense of movement and depth, complemented by a small hint of red at the center. Below, a smaller rectangular form of yellow, accented with red, stands in isolation, drawing the viewer’s eye and inviting contemplation. The simplicity and minimalism of the composition evoke a serene yet dynamic spatial relationship, quintessential of the artist’s approach within the abstract genre.
