The artwork, titled “Obsidian,” was created by Lee Krasner in 1962 using the medium of lithography. It is an exemplary piece from the Abstract Expressionism art movement, categorized within the abstract genre. This work is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
“Obsidian” is characterized by a dense assemblage of black, swirling lines that appear to interact chaotically yet rhythmically within a rectangular frame. The composition invokes a sense of depth and movement through its intricate and dynamic line work. The title evokes the qualities of natural obsidian stone—dark, smooth, and complex—which is mirrored in the tumultuous, yet refined black strokes that dominate the piece. Despite the apparent disorder, the deliberate variations in line thickness and intensity suggest a controlled spontaneity, typical of Krasner’s approach and the broader ethos of Abstract Expressionism.
