Curve in Relief III (EK561) 1978

Ellsworth Kelly created *Curve in Relief III* as part of a series that exemplifies his distinct approach to abstraction. Kelly, who served in the military during World War II, often spoke of how the visual experiences of camouflage, shadows, and light during his time in the service informed his artistic vision. His work creates new ways of seeing. The clean lines and subtle curvature of the relief invite us to consider the interplay between light and shadow, surface and depth. While seemingly simple, the work is rich in its exploration of form, space, and perception. Kelly’s work exists between painting and sculpture, often playing with how the object interacts with the wall and surrounding space. His use of industrial materials and processes aligns with the minimalist aesthetic, yet his inspiration comes from the natural world, reducing what he saw to abstract lines and shapes. The work is deceptively simple, but its effects are deeply felt, inviting a quiet, meditative engagement.