Cape Red 1965

Jeremy Moon created this untitled painting, commonly referred to as 'Cape Red', using paint on canvas. The immediate impression is one of geometric simplicity. A large, centrally positioned red square dominates the canvas, oriented as a diamond. At each corner, a quarter-circle of contrasting color—black, blue, green and yellow—punctuate the red field. The color relationships create visual interest and a sense of balance. Moon’s emphasis on shape, color and composition reflects the formalist concerns prevalent in post-war abstraction. The artwork appears to have a flattened perspective, which reduces any illusion of depth. This challenges traditional painting conventions and emphasizes the physical qualities of the canvas as an object. The structural arrangement encourages us to consider how the basic elements interact and create meaning, and how the painting destabilizes any straightforward interpretation, prompting ongoing visual and intellectual engagement.