Untitled (Abstract Still-Life) 1955

Claudessa Carter created this untitled abstract still life sometime in the mid-20th century. The composition is an arrangement of abstracted objects on a surface, rendered in muted colors and bold geometric shapes. The eye is immediately drawn to the faceted sphere on the left, its surface broken into planes of grey, orange, green, and white. Carter’s approach to abstraction here reflects a mid-century interest in reducing forms to their essential geometric components. Look at how the shapes suggest volume and depth, yet remain flat and graphic. The interplay between abstraction and representation invites us to consider the nature of perception itself. Are these objects deconstructed or reconstructed? Notice the careful balance of color and form throughout the composition, with the muted tones creating a harmonious yet unsettling visual experience. Ultimately, Carter's manipulation of form and color invites us to engage with the artwork on a purely visual level, challenging our preconceptions about representation and inviting us to discover new ways of seeing.