Scarlet, Emerald, and Orange: July-September 1976 1976

Patrick Heron's 'Scarlet, Emerald, and Orange: July-September 1976’ is a vibrant statement in colour and form. A textured sea of scarlet dominates the composition, offset by biomorphic shapes in emerald green and strokes of orange. Heron's engagement with colour theory is evident here; the juxtaposition of warm and cool hues creates a visual tension, challenging our perception of space and depth. The organic forms, while abstract, hint at a landscape, destabilizing the boundary between representation and abstraction. The textured surface of the scarlet field adds another layer of complexity, engaging the viewer in a tactile, sensory experience. Ultimately, the painting functions as a semiotic system, where colour and form serve as signs, inviting viewers to construct their own meanings and interpretations. It underscores how abstract art does not represent reality, but creates its own, prompting us to reconsider the relationship between art, perception and the world.