Explore the Power of Black & White in Abstract Form

“Black and white reveals form without embellishment. It’s the architecture of painting.” – Ellsworth Kelly

“Black-and-white is always stronger in abstraction; color is distracting in a way.” – Gerhard Richter

Since the 1950s, I have often turned to the interplay of black and white in my abstract painting to achieve various artistic objectives. The stark contrast between these two tones allows me to clarify imagery, enhance emotional depth, and convey symbolic meaning. For instance, in my work, I draw inspiration from pieces like Robert Motherwell’s renowned Spanish Elegy series, where the black-and-white dichotomy serves as a powerful metaphor for the delicate boundary between life and death.

This profound duality is central to my black-and-white geometric abstractions. In my compositions, I juxtapose intense, enveloping darkness with radiant, luminous light to create a striking visual tension. This contrast defines not only the aesthetic of my work but also invites viewers to engage on a deeper, almost transcendental level.

My work resonates with the spiritual and perceptual depth of Barnett Newman’s Stations of the Cross series. Like Newman’s paintings, my black-and-white abstractions encourage contemplation, inviting audiences to reflect on themes of contrast, balance, and the human experience. Rooted in the legacy of contemporary abstract art, these pieces showcase how simplicity and contrast can continue to evoke profound emotional and symbolic meaning.