Trellis 1953

Morris Louis made 'Trellis' with acrylic on canvas and the way he stained the canvas is fascinating. It's like the paint becomes part of the fabric. There’s something really beautiful in the way the colours bleed and blend. Look closely, and you will see these rivulets of diluted paint running down the canvas like tears or rain, creating a sense of movement and fluidity, the overall effect is ephemeral. It’s almost like a watercolour, but on a massive scale. Think of Helen Frankenthaler, with her soak-stain technique, or even the later work of Joan Mitchell. Ultimately, ‘Trellis’ is all about embracing chance and allowing the materials to dictate the outcome. It’s loose, kind of messy, and totally gorgeous. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most interesting things happen when we let go of control.