Shimmering SubstanceJackson Pollock · 1946

Identification of Shimmering Substance by Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock completed Shimmering Substance in 1946. This oil on canvas measures 30 1/8 x 24 1/4" (76.3 x 61.6 cm). It represents a significant departure from his earlier practice, marking one of the artist's first completely nonrepresentational works.

The piece belongs to the Sounds in the Grass series, a group of seven canvases. In this work, Pollock moved away from figuration to explore a purely abstract language. The surface is characterized by a dense, encrusted texture created by squeezing paint directly from the tube onto the linen.

Visual Composition and Color Palette

A luminous yellow background provides the foundation for this work, which belongs to the Sounds in the Grass series of seven canvases. The palette is significantly lighter than the artist's previous output, capturing the character of a sun-dappled summer day. Within this bright field, swirling patterns of color emerge through a complex network of lines and shapes.

The composition relies on a rhythmic interplay of hues. Bold reds and deep blues intersect with subtle greens, creating a sense of movement across the surface. These colors do not settle into static forms but instead form arcs and orbs that suggest the energy of a meadow under midday sun. The arrangement maintains a balance between spontaneous gestures and an underlying structural order.

Technique and Artistic Process

In this work, the artist moved away from traditional brushwork, opting instead to squeeze paint directly from the tube onto the canvas. This method allowed for a thick, richly encrusted surface that emphasizes the physical presence of the medium. There is no hint of figuration beneath this dense layer of pigment.

The application was highly tactile. Using a palette knife or even a finger, the artist manipulated the wet paint to create open loops that swirl toward the edges of the canvas. This process resulted in a surface defined by its texture and the direct, physical engagement with the material. The resulting patterns suggest a rhythmic, spontaneous movement across the linen.

Related Works by Jackson Pollock

The evolution of Pollock's practice is marked by significant shifts in scale and method. His 1943 work, Mural, demonstrates an early command over large-scale surfaces. By 1947, the creation of Alchemy signaled a move toward the dense, layered networks of enamel paint that would define his later output. These works reflect a continuous investigation into the physical properties of liquid medium and the spatial possibilities of the canvas.

As his technique matured, the artist moved toward compositions that prioritized rhythmic energy. Number 5, produced in 1948, and Number 1, 1949, exemplify this trajectory. The latter captures a raw outpouring of energy, utilizing the all-over composition to create a sense of boundless space. These pieces represent the culmination of his transition from traditional forms toward a complete immersion in gestural abstraction.