Robert Motherwell was an American painter, printmaker, and collage artist born on January 24, 1915. He was also known as a significant figure in the abstract expressionist movement and was dubbed as one of the "big four" artists along with Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning. Synonyms that can be commonly associated with Robert Motherwell include abstract art, modern art, spontaneous art, contemporary art, and avant-garde art. His works are known for their bold and expressive qualities, often resembling spiritual and philosophical themes. Some of Motherwell's notable pieces include the "Elegy to the Spanish Republic" series and "Open" series, both of which showcase his masterful use of color and shape.