A 18 1927

László Moholy-Nagy made this abstract painting, simply titled A 18, sometime in the early part of the 20th century, likely with oils on canvas. It feels like a diagram, or perhaps a set design for a futuristic play. Look at the way he's layered these geometric shapes. There's a real sense of depth created by the overlaps and the transparency of some of the colors. It's all very precise, yet there’s still a hand-made quality to it. Take for instance those thin, ruled lines. They're not perfect, they waver slightly, reminding you of the artist's hand and eye at work. I love how the stark black shape anchors the composition, providing a counterpoint to the floating, ethereal forms above. It's a bit like Malevich, but with a lighter, more playful touch. Ultimately, it's a reminder that even in the most abstract art, there's always a trace of the human touch.