Robert Motherwell's "Iberia" series represents a profound exploration of themes deeply embedded in Spanish culture and history, marked by the artist's abstract expressionist approach. Created during the summer of 1958, this series was a product of Motherwell's travels in Spain and France with his third wife, Helen Frankenthaler. The time was notably productive for Motherwell, allowing him to immerse himself in the local culture and landscapes that would profoundly influence his work​ (www.wikiart.org)​.

"Iberia No. 2," a piece within this series, exemplifies Motherwell's abstract expressionist style, characterized by its large, predominantly black and ochre canvas layered with paint to create depth and intensity. This work, like others in the series, draws from Motherwell's own experiences and observations, requiring a certain level of engagement and familiarity with Spanish culture to be fully appreciated. Motherwell's paintings from this period do not directly depict their subjects but rather aim to capture the essence of the emotional and physical landscapes they represent. In the case of the "Iberia" series, the bullfight—a quintessentially Spanish spectacle—is alluded to through abstract forms and colors that evoke the sand of the bullring and the dark silhouette of the bull, without overtly depicting the scene itself​ (www.wikiart.org)​.

Motherwell's commitment to abstraction was both a philosophical and aesthetic choice, seeking to distill the essence of his subjects into pure form and color. His work from this period was deeply influenced by political contexts as well, particularly the oppressive regime of General Franco in Spain. Motherwell's use of black in the "Iberia" series, and in his work more generally during this time, became a symbol of death, anxiety, and political despair. This aligns with his broader body of work that often engaged with themes of tragedy and the human condition, such as in his "Elegy to the Spanish Republic" series. Motherwell saw abstraction as a means to intensify life, emphasizing the importance of rhythm, spatial intervals, and color structure in his work​ (www.wikiart.org)​.

The "Iberia" series, therefore, stands as a testament to Motherwell's ability to convey complex emotional states and political narratives through abstract expressionism. It highlights his profound engagement with the cultures and histories of the places he visited, manifesting not only as aesthetic exploration but also as a form of political and philosophical inquiry​ (www.wikiart.org)​​ (Leslie Sacks)​​ (The Dedalus Foundation)​.