Number 1 1957

Morris Louis created “Number 1” using acrylic paint on canvas, a departure from traditional oil paints. The effect is immediate: vibrant color, soaking directly into the fabric support. Louis poured diluted acrylics onto the canvas, manipulating its surface to guide the flow. This wasn't about brushstrokes or direct contact, but about orchestrating a chemical reaction on a grand scale. Think of it as a performance, not just a painting. The canvas itself becomes a site of action, bearing witness to the unpredictable dance of pigment and gravity. The resulting veils of color create a sense of depth and luminosity. In abandoning the brush, Louis relinquished a degree of control, embracing chance and the inherent properties of his materials. This process emphasizes the connection between artist, medium, and the final outcome. By blurring the lines between painting and process, Louis challenges our understanding of artistic creation, reminding us that the act of making is as important as the finished product.