Objective Critique

Mondrian's work uses three Elements of Art, line, color, and to a degree shape. Mondrian uses the primary colors of yellow, blue, and red in straight lines either horizontal or vertical in a cross over method to give a sense of depth. These lines of color also either inadvertently or intentionally create white rectangles and squares. Maybe this was the thought behind Mondrian's painting the colored lines representing the bright lights of New York City or its busy streets and the white shapes represent the vast and great buildings and structures that occupied the city he grew to love. The color lines bring a sense of unity/harmony to a piece depicting a chaotic landscape in the real world. The vast use of the yellow line in the piece gives it a dominance or emphasis making it the focal point of the art and the first thing that you see. On the other side the occasional introduction of red and blue lines here and there create a good contrast to their overbearing yellow line mates. Though quite simplistic in its design and layout Mondrian's "New York City I" uses the Elements of Art and Principles of Design quite masterfully and elegantly in their small doses.