Aurora 1958

Editor: This is "Aurora," painted in 1958 by Morris Louis. He used acrylic stain on canvas. It looks almost like veils of color cascading down the canvas. It’s incredibly ethereal. What do you make of it? Curator: Ethereal, that's the perfect word! It’s like looking at the birth of a dream, isn't it? Or maybe peering into the very source of light itself. Louis was really onto something with his soak-stain technique, wasn't he? Think about it – instead of applying paint *onto* the canvas, he’s letting it seep *into* it, becoming one with the fibers. It's as if the color is growing from within. Editor: Absolutely. It does feel like the colors are emerging organically, not just placed there. Is that what defines Colour Field painting? Curator: In part, yes! Colour Field painters were fascinated by pure color and its ability to evoke emotion. No brushstrokes, no drama, just… color. Imagine standing in front of this piece decades ago – it would’ve felt incredibly radical. Stripping painting down to its essence! I think he might have considered this less a representation and more an embodiment. What feelings arise for you when you gaze into the colors of "Aurora?" Editor: I find myself calming down and just relaxing, it does feel very meditative. It's amazing to see how artists can utilize their painting to directly affect the emotions. Curator: Indeed! Louis reminds us that sometimes the most powerful statements are whispered, not shouted. What did you learn about painting from discussing Louis today? Editor: It makes me wonder how other artists during this period are going to change what people think about painting.