“Open No. 122 in Scarlet and Blue” is an abstract painting by Robert Motherwell, created in 1969 using acrylic on canvas. As an exemplar of Color Field Painting and Post-Painterly Abstraction, the artwork conveys abstraction through potent color contrasts and simplified forms. This piece forms part of the collection at Tate Modern in London, United Kingdom, reflecting Motherwell’s exploration of the visual and emotional impact of color and shape.
The artwork presents a bold, scarlet red backdrop that dominates the composition, enveloping the viewer in a sea of vibrant color. Contrasting this intense hue, a large rectangular form in blue, outlined in white, gracefully interrupts the red expanse. The white border, with its uneven and visibly brushstroked edges, adds depth and texture to the flat planes of color. The gestural quality of the white lines provides a dynamic counterpoint to the otherwise unmodulated red field. The simplicity and clarity of the shapes in conjunction with the visual force of the colors render the artwork an emotionally evocative piece, characteristic of Motherwell’s distinguished approach to abstract expressionism.
