“The Plough and the Song” by Arshile Gorky, created in 1947, is an oil painting on canvas measuring 159.1 x 128.3 cm. This work, belonging to the Surrealism art movement, is abstract in genre and is housed at the Allen Memorial Art Museum in Oberlin, Ohio, US.
The artwork presents a vibrant interplay of flowing lines and amorphous shapes on a muted background, characterized by an ethereal composition. Swirls of color blend into each other, creating an impression of fluidity and movement. The use of soft, sweeping strokes and splashes of brighter hues amidst neutral tones invites contemplation and introspection. These elements work together to evoke a dreamlike, subconscious narrative, typical of the Surrealist movement. The painting’s abstract forms and careful balance of light and shadow showcase Gorky’s mastery in evoking emotion through visual abstraction. The juxtaposition of chaos and harmony within “The Plough and the Song” affirms its standing as a representative piece of mid-20th-century Surrealist art.