With an eye toward the Color Field and Geometric Abstraction art movements, Robert Houle’s 1972 work, Untitled (Abstract Sweet Grass in Purples) finds its luxury in opulent colour and clean, hard edged forms. Whereas the abstract art of those working contemporaneously to Houle in the early 1970s, such as Yves Gaucher and Claude Tousignant, derives from indistinct sources, in the case of the present canvas, the source for the work is clear. Undoubtedly informed by his study of First Nations and Métis quillwork and other objects, dividing the canvas into three parts are the stalks of two blades of sweet grass. From these stem-stanchions sprout leaves configured in carefully delineated parallelograms and trapezoids. Houle’s sense of colour theory adds to the intensity of the image. Using a monochromatic palette of purple, Houle creates an illusionistic sense of space. The angular leaves are densely coloured with three perfectly calibrated hues emphasize their materiality, with each thrust and counter-thrust of the fragrant grass piercing into the lighter toned ground.