“Sunapee I,” created in 1966 by Frank Stella, is an exemplary piece of the Hard Edge Painting movement. This abstract artwork is defined by its sharp lines, geometric forms, and vibrant use of color which are hallmarks of the genre.
The artwork is composed of a series of intertwined, bold, geometric shapes, all enclosed within a non-traditional, irregular boundary that deviates from the conventional rectangular format. The color palette ranges from deep hues such as burgundy and forest green to brighter tones including cyan and vivid yellow. Each color is sharply delineated from the next, emphasizing the crisp, clean edges that are characteristic of Hard Edge Painting. The overall effect of “Sunapee I” is one of dynamic visual interplay, where geometry and color converge to create a harmonious yet complex composition.
