Europe 45n 30w

Creative Rationale

Over the North Atlantic, southwest of Iceland in the frigid waters between Greenland and Europe, high pressure dominates with fierce winds cutting through the moisture-laden air. The brutal 10.3 m/s winds from the southwest demand violent diagonal slashes across the canvas, while the bone-chilling 17.3 K temperature calls for a palette dominated by icy greys and blacks with only glimpses of warmer flesh tones fighting through. The crushing high pressure of 1027.9 Pa compresses forms aggressively against the picture plane, creating a claustrophobic energy typical of de Kooning's most visceral urban works.