What inspired the colorful, abstract paintings of Robert Motherwell?

Robert Motherwell was a prominent American painter who was one of the founders of the Abstract Expressionist movement. His work is characterized by bold, colorful shapes and lines, and he is particularly known for his use of black and white. Motherwell's paintings were inspired by a variety of sources, including poetry, philosophy, and mythology.

One of the major influences on Motherwell's art was his interest in the Surrealist movement. He was particularly drawn to the Surrealist technique of automatic drawing, which involved creating spontaneous, unplanned images without conscious control. This approach encouraged Motherwell to be more open and spontaneous in his own work, and he began to experiment with abstract shapes and forms.

Another important influence on Motherwell's paintings was his interest in ancient cultures and mythologies. He was fascinated by the art of ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and Egypt, and he often incorporated references to these cultures in his work. He believed that art had a universal language that could transcend cultural and historical boundaries, and he sought to create works that were both abstract and universal.