“Santa Fe II” is an abstract artwork created by Helen Frankenthaler in 1986. This piece is associated with the Color Field Painting and Lyrical Abstraction movements. The artwork exemplifies these styles through its composition and use of color.
The artwork features a broad expanse of color that appears fluid and almost ephemeral. The top portion of the canvas is dominated by a large swath of diluted red pigment blending into the white background, creating a sense of spaciousness and tranquility. Just below the red area, there are traces of other colors flowing into one another—blue, green, yellow, and hints of earthy hues—forming a visual dialogue. The colors seem to bleed and merge, typical of Frankenthaler’s signature soak-stain technique, which she employed to create depth and complexity within a seemingly simple composition. The abstract nature of the piece leaves much open to individual interpretation, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the visual experience.
