This volume surveys the diverse artistic output of Ellsworth Kelly, tracing the evolution of his distinct abstract visual language. The book accompanies a major international exhibition, showcasing Kelly's paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and photographs across five decades. It begins with his formative years in Paris after World War II, where he developed his unique style of abstraction influenced by European artists like Arp and Matisse, diverging from the prevailing Abstract Expressionism upon his return to New York in 1954.

Published to coincide with a major touring exhibition, this volume offers a comprehensive look at Ellsworth Kelly's prolific career. The catalogue spans five decades, detailing his development of a unique abstract visual language that began in Paris after the Second World War and continued to evolve in New York. It positions his work against the dominant artistic movements of his time, particularly Abstract Expressionism. The book serves as a significant resource for understanding Kelly's contribution to 20th-century art.