“Running White,” created by Ellsworth Kelly in 1959, is an exemplary piece belonging to the Hard Edge Painting movement and falls under the genre of abstract art. The artwork is characterized by its bold, clean lines and striking contrast of colors, reflecting the quintessential minimalism and precise execution typical of Kelly’s style.
The artwork features a predominantly black background with a sweeping, curved white band that traverses the canvas. The white band creates a dynamic sense of movement as it arches from the bottom center towards the top left, forming an almost complete circular shape. This simplicity in form and lack of intricate detail compels the viewer to focus on the purity of shape and color, inviting a meditative reflection on the interplay between space and form. The sharp and deliberate edges of the color transitions underscore the Hard Edge Painting movement’s emphasis on clarity and precision.
