Hard-Edged
Definition
This term refers to a style of painting that is characterized by sharp, clean edges and areas of flat, unmodulated color, often associated with geometric abstraction and Minimalism, where the emphasis is on clarity, precision, and the formal relationships between shapes and colors.
History
Hard-edged painting emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the gestural abstraction of Abstract Expressionism, with artists focusing on the use of precise, geometric forms and clear color separations to create compositions that are both visually striking and conceptually rigorous.
Notable Examples
Ellsworth Kelly
Red, Blue, Green, 1963
Frank Stella
Harran II, 1967
Key Artists & Movements
Key figures include Ellsworth Kelly, whose bold, minimalist compositions emphasize the interaction of color and form, and Frank Stella, whose works are known for their systematic approach to geometric abstraction, often using hard-edged shapes and vibrant colors.
Techniques & Materials
Techniques involve the use of masking tape, rulers, and other tools to create sharp, clean edges, often with acrylic or enamel paints that dry quickly and allow for flat, even application. Artists working in this style typically avoid visible brushstrokes or texture, focusing instead on the purity of color and form, and the spatial relationships within the composition.
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