Beside the Sea No. 24 1962

"Beside the Sea No. 24" is a 1962 abstract painting by American artist Robert Motherwell, renowned for his abstract expressionist works, especially his "Elegies to the Spanish Republic" series. This piece, however, displays a stark black and white palette, characteristic of his "Beside the Sea" series, which focused on the stark simplicity of the sea and sky. The painting utilizes bold, gestural brushstrokes, creating a sense of movement and energy, juxtaposed against the white expanse of the canvas, which evokes a sense of vastness and emptiness. The black form could be interpreted as a wave crashing on the shore, creating a powerful visual impact. This work showcases Motherwell's exploration of abstract form and minimalist aesthetics, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the time.