The artwork “Untitled (formerly Self-Portrait)” by Clyfford Still, created in 1945, exemplifies abstract art through the medium of oil painting. It measures 180 x 106 cm and is currently housed in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in San Francisco, CA, US.
The artwork showcases Still’s distinct style within the Abstract Art movement. The composition is dominated by a dark background, against which stark white and yellow forms contrast strikingly. The white shapes appear almost skeletal, with a fluid, intertwining quality that gives a sense of movement and tension. In the lower section, a vivid yellow area introduces a different energy, its texture and color providing a bold counterpoint to the austerity of the black and white elements. The overall effect is one of profound abstraction, eliciting varied interpretations and emotional responses from the viewer.
