The Weight of Absence: Robert Motherwell’s ‘Open No. 122 in Scarlet and Blue’

Robert Motherwell's “Open No. 122 in Scarlet and Blue,” painted in 1969, isn’t merely a visual composition; it’s an intensely felt expression of loss and remembrance. Created during a period of profound personal grief following the deaths of close friends and family members, this work embodies Motherwell's signature approach to Abstract Expressionism – a deliberate rejection of representational imagery in favor of conveying raw emotion through color, texture, and gestural mark-making. The painting immediately commands attention with its stark contrast: a deep, almost bruised red field punctuated by irregular, intensely blue squares. This isn’t a celebratory explosion of color; rather, it feels like the residue of something shattered – a visual echo of trauma and mourning.

• Color as Emotion: The scarlet represents not just blood or fire, but also the intensity of grief, the burning ache of absence. It’s a visceral hue, demanding immediate attention and evoking a sense of urgency.
• The Blue Squares: These aren't simply decorative elements; they are fragments, shards of memory – attempts to capture fleeting glimpses of what was lost. Their unevenness and varying sizes suggest the fragmented nature of recollection, the difficulty in holding onto details when confronted with overwhelming sorrow.

A Legacy Forged in Loss: Motherwell’s Personal Context

Understanding “Open No. 122 in Scarlet and Blue” requires acknowledging Robert Motherwell's deeply personal history. Born in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1915, he experienced a childhood marked by illness and the early deaths of loved ones – his mother when he was just ten years old, followed later by his brother and sister. These experiences profoundly shaped his artistic sensibility, leading him to explore themes of mortality, memory, and the human condition with unflinching honesty. His work became increasingly introspective in the latter half of his career, moving away from earlier explorations of Surrealism and embracing a more direct and emotionally charged style.

The painting’s creation coincided with a period of intense personal loss for Motherwell, including the deaths of close friends and family. It's widely believed that this work was created as a response to these tragedies, serving as both a means of processing grief and a testament to the enduring power of memory. The title itself – “Open No. 122” – suggests an ongoing process of exploration and reflection, hinting at the never-ending nature of mourning.

Technique and Process: Embracing Gesture and Texture

Motherwell’s technique in "Open No. 122 in Scarlet and Blue" is characterized by a deliberate lack of control and a focus on spontaneous gesture. He employed acrylic paint and charcoal directly onto the canvas, layering colors with broad brushstrokes and allowing them to bleed into one another. The surface of the painting is uneven and textured – not smooth or polished, but rather imbued with a sense of movement and energy. This tactile quality invites viewers to engage physically with the work, mirroring the intensity of emotional experience.

• Layered Application: Multiple layers of paint create depth and complexity, suggesting the accumulation of memories and emotions over time.
• Gestural Mark-Making: Loose, expressive brushstrokes convey a sense of urgency and vulnerability.
• Color Blending: The blending of scarlet and blue creates a dynamic interplay of hues that reflects the complexities of grief – both pain and beauty.

Symbolism and Resonance: A Meditation on Remembrance

Beyond its immediate emotional impact, “Open No. 122 in Scarlet and Blue” is rich with symbolic meaning. The fragmented blue squares can be interpreted as representations of shattered memories – pieces of the past that refuse to coalesce into a coherent whole. The vast expanse of scarlet suggests the overwhelming nature of grief, while the act of ‘opening’—the title itself—represents an invitation to confront these difficult emotions and engage in the process of remembrance. The painting ultimately serves as a poignant meditation on loss, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection.