third element 1961 Morris Louis

Here we observe a composition dominated by verticality and color. A series of broad, irregular bands of pigment ascend from the lower edge of the canvas, terminating near its upper boundary. The hues employed are vibrant – deep blues, oranges, reds, yellows, and greens – arranged in an apparent sequence, though not necessarily ordered systematically. These bands do not meet the edges of the canvas precisely; instead, they appear to bleed slightly into the surrounding field, suggesting a degree of spontaneity or looseness in their application.
The background is a pale, off-white tone that provides a stark contrast to the intensity of the colored stripes. This neutral ground allows the chromatic elements to take precedence, preventing any visual competition and emphasizing their individual presence. The edges of the bands are not sharply defined; rather, they possess a soft, blurred quality, contributing to an overall sense of fluidity and movement.
The arrangement evokes associations with natural phenomena – perhaps a stylized depiction of light filtering through foliage or a simplified representation of a waterfall. However, the deliberate lack of representational detail pushes beyond mere imitation. The work seems less concerned with mimicking reality than with exploring the inherent qualities of color itself: its visual weight, its capacity to evoke emotion, and its potential for creating rhythmic patterns.
The verticality of the composition lends it a sense of monumentality, while the irregular edges introduce an element of unpredictability that disrupts any feeling of rigid formality. The subtext might be interpreted as a meditation on order versus chaos, or perhaps a visual exploration of how seemingly disparate elements can coexist in harmony. There is a deliberate absence of narrative; the painting offers itself purely as a field of color and form, inviting contemplation rather than dictating interpretation.