Blue Viola 1962

Carla Accardi made this ‘Blue Viola’ using paint on canvas, a classic combination with a twist. Accardi was deeply involved in the Italian art scene from the 1940s onwards, and became known for her exploration of materials and methods. Here, the intensity of the blue is overwhelming, and the color is the message. There are shapes hidden within, emerging from a deeper ground. This painting invites us to consider the act of seeing as a form of making. You can see a dance between control and chance, which results in an image that seems both simple and complex. The canvas is not just a passive surface; it is an active participant in the creation of the artwork. By emphasizing the processes and materials, Accardi reminds us of the value of skill and invention, and the social contexts that shape what we see and how we value it.