In “One Year the Milkweed,” created in 1944 by the artist Arshile Gorky, the viewer encounters a masterful example of Abstract Expressionism. This oil-on-canvas painting, belonging to the abstract genre, resides in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, US.
The artwork features an intricate composition of vibrant and dynamic shapes and colors, blending together in a seemingly chaotic yet harmonious manner. The use of fluid lines and organic forms suggests a sense of natural growth and transformation, hinted at by the title’s reference to the milkweed plant. The palette is rich with earth tones juxtaposed with brighter hues, contributing to a feeling of both groundedness and ethereal expansion. Gorky’s technique of layering and blending the paint creates a texture that invites viewers to explore the complexities and fluidity of the abstract forms, evoking a deep, visceral response to the interplay of natural and surreal elements within the painting.