Frank Stella's "Notched-V" series, created between 1964 and 1965, showcases a significant evolution in his artistic exploration, diverging notably from his earlier, more austere "Black Paintings" and "Running V" series. This series is characterized by its use of polychromatic schemes and compact compositions, with dramatic V-shaped sections either isolated, paired, or grouped in trios, each adorned with its own somber hue. This marks a departure into a realm of color and form that was less prevalent in his work up to that point​ (Ocula Art)​.

The "Notched-V" series, alongside the "Running V" series from the same period, indicates Stella's experimental phase with shape and color. The "Running V" series utilized monochrome colors and extended horizontally along the wall, introducing dramatic chevron patterns that altered the silhouette of the works dramatically. This was a precursor to the "Notched-V" series, which expanded on the use of dramatic shapes but introduced a richer palette and more compact form, emphasizing the shift towards polychromy and varied compositional arrangements​ (Ocula Art)​.

Stella's work during this time is reflective of his broader shift from minimalism to what he termed "maximalism," signaling a journey into more complex visual languages that would define his later career. Despite taking on more assistants and delegating aspects of the physical creation of his work, Stella maintained his role as the primary decision-maker, underscoring his evolving approach to artmaking as his works grew in complexity and scale​ (Ocula Art)​.

The significance of the "Notched-V" series within Stella's oeuvre lies in its encapsulation of this pivotal moment of transition, blending the minimalist ethos with a burgeoning interest in more dynamic forms and vibrant colors. This series serves as a vital link between the stark minimalism of his early work and the exuberant, sculptural, and architecturally inspired pieces that followed in the subsequent decades.