“Triptych: Madame Butterfly,” created by Helen Frankenthaler in the year 2000, is a woodblock print falling under the genres of Abstract Expressionism and Lyrical Abstraction. This abstract artwork is a quintessential example of Frankenthaler’s mastery in blending color and form to evoke emotion and interpretative freedom in the viewer.
The artwork is executed in a triptych format, signifying its division into three distinct, yet interconnected panels. The dominant hues are soft and captivating, with washes of blue blending seamlessly into earthy tones, punctuated by expressive marks of red, pink, and green. Delicate lines and shapes, reminiscent of natural forms, float across the surface, contributing to a sense of movement and fluidity. The overall composition appears both spontaneous and contemplative, inviting viewers to ponder the interplay of colors and shapes within the abstract realm Frankenthaler creates.
