Untitled D11 1949

This ink drawing, Untitled D11, was made by Morris Louis sometime before 1962. The images evoke the flowing forms of nature. I am drawn to the way the lines dance and weave, creating shapes that hint at organic life. Consider, if you will, the ‘hand’ motif. We see it mirrored in ancient Egyptian art, as a symbol of protection. The gesture has been passed down through history, reappearing in medieval art and Renaissance paintings, each time imbued with a renewed sense of hope or benediction. Here, the subconscious mind recognizes the 'hand' not just as a physical object, but as a vessel of emotions. The freehand style Louis employs here is less about strict representation and more about a spontaneous expression of inner experience. The drawing resonates with our collective memory, triggering something primal. The symbols Louis has used in this composition create a cyclical pattern, constantly resurfacing, evolving, and being imbued with new meanings throughout history.