Jack Youngerman (b. 1926 in Saint Louis, Missouri), was known for his expressive, geometric abstract works. Youngerman’s family relocated to Kentucky in 1929, just several years after he was born. He took his first art class while studying at the University of North Carolina after receiving a grant from the U.S. Navy, and in 1947 he graduated from the University of Missouri. After his studies, Youngerman continued his education at the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris, remaining in the city until 1955.

In this painting, the colour explodes across the canvas in a way that recalls the work of Henri Matisse. Youngerman continued to explore he colours and forms of the Fauves throughout his career. Sculptures by Alberto Giacometti and Jean Arp were also an early influence on the artist, and in particular he took on their interest in biomorphic form.