Dropping Black

After 15 years of experimentation, Mondrian decided to only use the primary colours + white, grey and black.

However, I noted that, after he moved to New York City in October 1940, he gradually phased out the use of black in his work, reducing his color palette even further.

I think he did so because the color black just doesn’t jive with the energy and liveliness of New York City, his main source of inspiration at that time.

By omitting black, Mondrian removed the calvinistic strictness embedded in his previous work, allowing for playfulness, liberty and upbeatness.

He really made his paintings dance.