Abstract in White, Black, Indian and Lilac - Victor Pasmore

A 1957 geometric relief by Victor Pasmore, featuring a precise arrangement of painted wood and oil on board.

Victor Pasmore was a central figure in the development of British abstract art. After an early period of lyrical, figurative painting, he moved towards geometric abstraction in the late 1940s. This shift was influenced by his interest in the principles of the Bauhaus and the Constructivist movement. By the 1950s, Pasmore began to incorporate three-dimensional elements into his work, creating reliefs that blurred the boundary between painting and sculpture.

Abstract in White, Black, Indian and Lilac, produced in 1957, demonstrates his focus on the relationship between space, form, and colour. The composition is built upon a white ground, which acts as a neutral field for the arrangement of linear and rectangular elements. Pasmore uses painted wooden strips to project from the surface, creating actual shadows that interact with the painted lines. This physical depth allows the work to change appearance depending on the light source and the position of the viewer.

The palette is restricted to white, black, a deep Indian red, and a soft lilac. These colours are applied with precision to define the geometric structure. The arrangement of horizontal and vertical lines creates a sense of balance and rhythm, avoiding decorative excess. Pasmore sought to create an art form that was objective and rational, moving away from the subjective expressionism that dominated much of the post-war period. This piece reflects his belief that art should be an exploration of visual language, where the arrangement of basic elements generates its own internal logic. The work is a clear example of his transition into the realm of architectural and environmental design, where the object exists as a self-contained system of spatial relationships.