The artwork titled “Number 7 (Out of the Web)” was crafted by the acclaimed artist Jackson Pollock in 1949. Utilizing a mixed technique on canvas, Pollock produced an abstract composition that belongs to the action painting movement. The dimensions of this piece measure 244 x 121.5 cm. The artwork is housed within the collection of the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, located in Stuttgart, Germany.
Upon examining the artwork, one is immediately struck by Pollock’s characteristic style, which involves a dynamic and intricate array of dripped, splattered, and flung paint, creating a dense web of intersecting lines and colors. Various hues emerge from the chaotic background, with the prominence of what appears to be brown and rusty red shapes that may suggest organic forms or figures emerging amidst the swirling tangle of paint. These forms are not defined clearly and propose an ambiguity that invites subjective interpretation.
Furthermore, the canvas is overlaid with a spectrum of colors, including blue, white, yellow, and red, amongst others. The layering and interweaving of these colors create a sense of depth and movement that conveys the physical energy Pollock expended in the artwork’s creation. The rhythmic, flowing lines and the absence of a central focal point exemplify the principles of action painting, where the act of painting itself is an integral part of the artwork’s content.
The intimate relationship between the painter and the painting is evident, as Pollock’s unconventional methods—the pouring and dripping technique—allowed him to work in and around the artwork, influencing how viewers perceive the motion and emotion encapsulated within the canvas. The resultant composition rejects traditional notions of figurative representation, instead offering a visual experience that is both visceral and enigmatic.
