The artwork titled “Zig Field” was created by the artist Paul Reed in 1970. It represents the Hard Edge Painting and Op Art movements and falls under the abstract genre. The composition is rooted in a formalist aesthetic characterized by the use of geometric forms and vivid colors to create optical effects and a sense of spatial depth.
The artwork employs a range of rich, flat color planes that fit together in a jigsaw-like manner, creating a sense of movement and dynamism. The color palette encompasses bold and bright hues—greens, pinks, magenta, navy blue, beige, and yellow—which contributes to the work’s vibrant energy. Each geometric shape is cleanly delineated, showcasing sharp, precise boundaries between the colors, a hallmark of the Hard Edge Painting technique.
The overall effect of the piece is one of a tightly organized chaos, with asymmetrical balance achieved through the arrangement of forms and colors. The juxtaposition of these elements gives the impression of a space that is simultaneously flat and depthful, leading the viewer’s eye across the canvas. As characteristic of Op Art, the artwork engages the viewer’s visual perception, suggesting movement and fluctuating spatial relationships. Overall, “Zig Field” stands as a prime example of how abstract art can manipulate form and color to trigger optical sensations.
