Reflection on Color

Carlos Cruz-Diez was a painter who developed a conceptual platform for his work based on optical and chromatic phenomena. He explored the perception of color as an autonomous reality evolving in space and time, in a perpetual present, and published Reflection on Color in 1989. This important text introduces Cruz-Diez's writing and thinking to a new generation of artists and scholars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Carlos Cruz-Diez, a renowned artist known for his groundbreaking experiential works that delved into the exploration of color and its captivating properties, embarked on a creative journey that revolutionized his artistic approach. Hailing from a background in painting, Cruz-Diez sought to expand the boundaries of his craft by delving into the realm of optical and chromatic phenomena. This profound exploration led him to adopt a revolutionary new perspective on his work, commencing in 1959. Building upon the pioneering chromatic experiments of figures such as Sir Isaac Newton, the impressionists, and Josef Albers, Cruz-Diez embarked on a quest to understand color not as a mere tool for representation but as an autonomous reality that unfolded in space and time, independent of form or support. This profound realization propelled him to explore color as a perpetual present, existing in a state of constant evolution.

Originally published in Spanish in 1989, "Reflection on Color" serves as a seminal text that delves into Cruz-Diez's profound theories of color and charts the aesthetic and conceptual evolution of his artistic practice. Despite the book's translation into English during Cruz-Diez's lifetime, it remained relatively unknown to a broader audience. However, this text now presents an opportunity for a new generation of artists and scholars to delve into the rich tapestry of Cruz-Diez's writing and thinking.

Within the pages of "Reflection on Color," Cruz-Diez presents eight of his major investigations into the captivating world of color phenomena. These include his renowned "Physichromie" and "Chromosaturation" series, which showcase his exceptional ability to manipulate color and create mesmerizing visual experiences. The book is lavishly illustrated with examples of Cruz-Diez's work, providing a vivid glimpse into his artistic vision and the profound impact he had on the art world.

By presenting Cruz-Diez's writing in a more accessible format, this text serves as a valuable resource for artists and scholars seeking to deepen their understanding of color and its expressive potential. It offers a glimpse into the artist's thought processes, inspirations, and the innovative techniques he employed to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Through his visionary works and profound insights, Cruz-Diez continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists, reminding us of the power.

Dimension: 216 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300272123