This painting, created in 1971, features vertical bands of vibrant pastel hues—orange, pink, green, and blue—set against a structured yet fluid composition. The use of color creates a luminous effect, with each band seeming to pulse with energy. Unlike other Color Field artists, Canin introduces rhythmic variations in the width and length of the stripes, adding movement to an otherwise static form.
...more
This painting, created in 1971, features vertical bands of vibrant pastel hues—orange, pink, green, and blue—set against a structured yet fluid composition. The use of color creates a luminous effect, with each band seeming to pulse with energy. Unlike other Color Field artists, Canin introduces rhythmic variations in the width and length of the stripes, adding movement to an otherwise static form.
What sets this painting apart from other Color Field works is the interplay of rigor and rhythm. While many Color Field painters emphasized flatness and uniformity, Canin’s bands vary in length and taper organically, introducing a sense of dynamism. His color choices, particularly the pastel tones, break from the more somber or primary color palettes seen in artists like Rothko or Newman, giving the work a light, almost playful energy.
The painting achieves luminosity through the interaction of its pastel hues. Rather than relying on gradation or texture, the colors remain flat, allowing their intensity and placement to create the illusion of light. The vertical orientation and the carefully structured yet flowing arrangement of lines make this a standout example of how Canin pushed the boundaries of the Color Field genre.