No. 7 (From The Basque Suite) 1970

Here, Robert Motherwell uses stark contrasts and simple shapes to evoke profound emotions. The dominant triangle, formed by heavy black strokes, pierces the blue expanse, a symbol resonating through time. Consider the triangle's ascent to the heavens in Renaissance art, or its manifestation in early religious iconography as a representation of the Holy Trinity. Here, it is transmuted, stripped of its overt symbolism, yet still echoing a primal yearning for transcendence. The vibrant blue alludes to the Madonna's cloak in countless devotional paintings, invoking a sense of solace and the infinite. The bold strokes, seemingly spontaneous, convey a sense of urgency. It is a visual language deeply embedded in our collective unconscious, a powerful force that engages viewers on a subconscious level. These forms cycle through history, constantly evolving, resurfacing in new contexts, and reflecting the human experience.