1944-N No. 1 1944

Clyfford Still created "1944-N No. 1" during a period marked by the profound anxiety and transformation of World War II. Still, like many artists of his time, grappled with the human condition amidst widespread conflict and existential questioning. This painting, with its stark contrasts and jagged forms, might evoke a sense of alienation. Red lines cut through the darkness, meeting with white and yellow figures above a solitary green form. Still refused to assign explicit meanings to his works, insisting that they exist as entities, independent of conventional interpretation. It has been said that Still felt a sense of responsibility to express the depths of human emotion. The painting confronts our understanding of identity and experience, especially during times of crisis. It’s a powerful reflection on the search for meaning, set against the backdrop of a world in turmoil.