Black Diagonal Relief

2006

Ellsworth Kelly

(American, 1923–2015)

Culture

America

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

Overall: 213.4 x 120.7 x 7 cm (84 x 47 1/2 x 2 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Ellsworth Kelly Foundation and Jack Shear in honor of Agnes Gund 2026.5

This artwork is known to be under copyright.

Location

224A Contemporary Corridor

Did You Know?

Many of Kelly’s black and white abstract compositions were inspired by observations from his everyday life.

Description

This painting comprises two black and white panels joined in relief. Made in the final decade of Ellsworth Kelly’s life, Black Diagonal Relief (2006) distills the artist’s career-long commitment to creating stark abstract compositions that are animated by the nuances of form, perception, and space. These interests come to the fore when the bright palette for which Kelly is best-known is absent. Black Diagonal Relief represents Ellsworth Kelly’s ongoing exploration of black and white across mediums. Kelly could focus on the formal essence of a work, rooted in line, shape, and structure.