“Purple and Orange” from the “Line Form Color” series is a work created in 1951 by the artist Ellsworth Kelly. This piece is a part of the Hard Edge Painting movement and is classified under the advertisement genre within the “Line Form Color” series.
The artwork consists of a stark and bold abstraction, primarily featuring two dominant colors: purple and orange. The central element is a solid purple square that occupies the middle portion of the composition. Surrounding this purple square is a larger orange field, creating a striking contrast. The use of these vibrant, contrasting hues exemplifies the principles of Hard Edge Painting, where sharp edges and distinct color separation are emphasized. The simplicity of form and the clarity of color create a visually compelling and harmonious composition, reflective of Kelly’s mastery in minimalist abstraction.