The artwork titled “Number 2,” created by John McLaughlin in 1971, is a quintessential piece of the Minimalism art movement. Classified within the genre of abstract art, this work exemplifies the minimalist ethos through its simplistic and restrained aesthetic.
The artwork is characterized by its stark compositional elements, featuring a singular, vertical black stripe flanked by broad expanses of off-white canvas. The vertical stripe is neatly bifurcated by subtle variances in shading, creating a nuanced gradation from black to a lighter tone. The overall design is devoid of any extraneous details, emphasizing the purity of form and the interplay between positive and negative space. The simplicity and the deliberate use of limited color and form are hallmarks of McLaughlin’s minimalist approach, inviting viewers to contemplate the essence of the visual experience itself.
