Nolan, 1960

Nolan, 1965

Abstract Expressionists

Abstract Expressionists such as Kenneth Nolan, Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly and Al Held explored "Hard Edge" and "Minimal" aspect of color and shape relationships. Frank Stella used minimal color in a hard edge style on shaped canvas. His work is the most representational of this movement. This movement was shaped by the color theories of the Bauhaus, particularly Joseph Albers. After the Bauhaus, Albers founded the Black Mountain School in the United States. Nolan attended the school, and its influence was strongly felt among this group.(Piper, p.686)