Black Color Research
Robert Motherwell âElegy to the Spanish Republic No 110â, 1971, acrylic with graphite and charcoal on canvas, 82â x 114â.
This piece was inspired by the Spanish Civil War. Motherwell uses the black figures as a memorial for all the death and tragedy that took place. I think the artist uses black to symbolize the consuming nature of wartime death. Iâve never experienced war, but looking at this piece kind of reminds me of how I felt when I saw the film 1917. In both the movie and in this painting, thereâs this distinct feeling of overwhelm, like death is everywhere. Itâs very somber.Â
Odilon Redon âThe Eye, like a Strange Balloon, Mounts toward Infinityâ, 1882, lithograph, 10 5/16â x 7 11/16.
I didnât find very much on this piece, but I was able to find that it was inspired by the work of Edgar Allen Poe. Itâs not meant to illustrate any specific poem, but to evoke the feeling of macabre that comes from his poetry. The black Redon uses is softer and more diffused than Motherwellâs, and for that reason, it feels less overwhelming to me. It has a creepiness to it, but itâs not quite as heavy as other all-black works Iâve seen.Â











