Interlocking Forms (Big Magenta With Green) 1959

Here we see Karl Benjamin's "Interlocking Forms (Big Magenta With Green)", an abstract painting created in the latter half of the 20th century. Benjamin was associated with the West Coast hard-edge painting movement, a style that turned away from the emotionality of abstract expressionism to explore the relational aspects of color and form. Though seemingly non-referential, Benjamin’s carefully arranged compositions of geometric shapes are, in his words, meant to be evocative of musical harmonies. In this sense, the painting asks us to consider how we seek order and harmony from the world around us. The interplay of colors might also prompt reflection on how diverse elements can coexist and even enhance one another. In his own words, Benjamin hoped his art would offer “an optimistic, life-affirming statement.” "Interlocking Forms" provides a space for considering how the formal elements of art can shape individual perceptions and emotional states.