The artwork “Seine,” created by Ellsworth Kelly in 1951, is a significant piece in the Hard Edge Painting movement and falls under the genre of abstract art. The painting embodies the fundamental principles of Hard Edge Painting, characterized by abrupt transitions between color areas, and showcases Kelly’s distinct abstract style.
The artwork features a balanced yet dynamic composition, composed of a multitude of rectangular and square shapes arranged in a seemingly random pattern. The black shapes, set against the white background, create a stark contrast, emphasizing the geometric precision and the interplay of negative and positive space. The central black area appears to bisect the painting, creating a visual rhythm and a sense of flow reminiscent of the movement of the river Seine. The meticulous arrangement of shapes and the high-contrast color palette exemplify Kelly’s mastery of form and abstraction, invoking a sense of depth and movement despite its rigid structure.
