Colored paper images III 1976

Ellsworth Kelly created “Colored Paper Images III” as part of a series where he explored the interplay between color, form, and space. Kelly, a World War II veteran, sought to create art that reflected the pure, unadulterated experience of seeing. In this work, two carefully placed bands of color—one a deep blue, the other black—rest against a stark white background. The curved shapes evoke a sense of gentle movement. “I’m not interested in the texture of brushstrokes or the accident of dripping paint,” Kelly once stated. “I want color to be the essence.” The simplicity of Kelly's work invites contemplation. His focus on essential forms can be seen as a response to the chaos of the modern world, offering a space for quiet reflection. The artwork invites viewers to lose themselves in the purity of color and form, and to find a sense of peace and clarity.