Midnight, Forecastle: An Analysis

In 1990, Frank Stella created a collage of colors and shapes know as Midnight, Forecastle (D-22,2x). Named after a chapter from the book, Stella was inspired by the novel Moby Dick as he made this piece. Through the mix of various forms and different colors and shapes, Stella illustrates a scene of Moby Dick surrounded by the wild waters of the sea (Frank). Stella’s use of these elements for this depiction helps relay the impression of chaos and peril that the great whale causes for the sailors within the book. Stella incorporates numerous elements of art in Midnight, Forecastle (D-22,2x) such as color, shape, and form. For instance, a wide range of colors can be seen across the piece, which includes an assortment of warm colors and cool