“The Waves I: Hark!” is an abstract artwork created by Frank Stella in 1989. This piece is part of Stella’s “Moby Dick” series and is associated with the Abstract Expressionism movement. The artwork, which falls under the abstract genre, embodies the energetic and dynamic qualities characteristic of Abstract Expressionism.
The artwork presents a visually complex interplay of shapes, colors, and lines. Bold, fiery orange forms seem to dance atop the composition, offering a strong visual contrast to the geometric precision of the underlying patterns. A vivid red border frames the composition, further intensifying the visual drama. The use of color is striking, with the warm tones of red and orange complementing the cooler hues found in portions of the background and the interwoven linear elements.
The curvilinear and rectilinear forms create a sense of depth and movement, suggesting both chaos and structure within the same space. Stella’s artwork refuses simple interpretation, instead inviting viewers to explore the layers of meaning and reference encapsulated in the title’s allusion to Herman Melville’s epic, “Moby Dick.” Through the abstract arrangement, the artwork may invoke notions of the sea’s changing moods and the narrative’s thematic complexity, manifesting an impression of sound and motion consistent with the work’s title, “Hark!”
