“Waterfall” is an abstract oil on canvas painting created by Arshile Gorky around 1943. This artwork measures 96.8 cm by 24 cm and is a product of the Surrealism movement. It exemplifies the abstract genre, where the subject matter is not directly representational but instead uses forms, colors, and gestural marks to achieve its effect.
Observing the artwork, “Waterfall” presents a composition with a dynamic interplay of forms and a pale, muted color palette punctuated with flashes of brighter colors like yellow, red, and blue. The work features curvilinear shapes and organic forms that evoke a sense of movement, suggesting the flowing motion of water, as hinted by the painting’s title. Gorky’s practice of layering forms and lines contributes to the sense of depth and complexity within the piece. The use of thin, delicate lines juxtaposed with broader washes of color creates a tension and harmony that invites viewers to interpret the work in their unique way, characteristic of surrealistic and abstract expression.