The artwork titled “Sanctum Sanctorum” was created by the artist Hans Hofmann in the year 1962. It is an oil painting that is classified within the abstract genre and is associated with the Abstract Expressionism art movement. As a manifestation of Hofmann’s creative prowess, this piece embodies the quintessential qualities of its era’s quest for expression through non-representational forms.
This piece is marked by its bold use of color and abstract geometrical shapes. Lively rectangles and squares of vibrant orange, blue, green, yellow, and red hues dominate the canvas, suggesting a sense of depth and layered space. The unorthodox placement of these shapes defies traditional perspective, an indication of the artist’s commitment to the principles of Abstract Expressionism which emphasizes spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation.
Hofmann’s technique is also evident in the way these colored shapes interact, with their overlapping forms and the interplay of colors creating a dynamic visual field. There’s a sense of controlled chaos in the painting, as the rigid outlines of the shapes both conflict and harmonize with the expressive brushwork and richly pigmented backgrounds. His application of oil paint varies in thickness and texture, adding depth and energy to the composition.
“Sanctum Sanctorum” is a testament to Hofmann’s mastery in conveying emotions and conceptual depth through diverging from representational accuracy and embracing the freedom and complexity of abstraction.
