Created by Jackson Pollock in 1950, the artwork titled “Mural on Indian red ground” exemplifies the principles of the Action painting movement within the abstract genre. Employing a mixed technique on a board, the piece measures 244 by 183 centimeters and can be found in the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) in Tehran, Iran.
The artwork is characterized by an energetic and intricate web of paint splatters and lines. The use of Indian red as a dominant background color provides a warm and rich canvas upon which the artist has overlaid a complex array of colors and textures. The gestural style of painting, a hallmark of Pollock’s technique, involves dripping, flinging, and smearing paint onto the board, which creates a sense of movement and spontaneity. This method of application contributes to the dynamic and seemingly chaotic composition of the piece, inviting viewers to explore the layers of paint and the emotional intensity they convey.
Distinct from Pollock’s more monochromatic drip paintings, this work incorporates a vibrant palette with contrasting hues, such as white, yellow, and black, which interplay with the red background and enhance the visual impact. The scale of the work, nearly life-size, invites the audience to engage with the painting physically, as its dimensions exceed the typical field of vision when viewed at close range. Overall, the mural resonates with the energy and improvisational spirit of Pollock’s approach to artistry, making it a significant contribution to the abstract expressionist movement.
