Untitled 1994

Jessica Stockholder created this ‘Untitled’ construction from paint and found materials. The combination of vivid colours and haphazard assembly creates a playful, almost cartoonish presence. It’s like she’s thinking out loud, making visible the usually invisible process of artmaking. The physicality of Stockholder's materials is upfront and honest. The paint is applied in thin layers, allowing the textures of the wood to peek through. The clashing colours, like that bright yellow against the deep purple, feel intuitive, almost like a game of colour association. Look at how the black cables cascade from the top, cutting through the geometric forms. It’s a bold, almost defiant gesture that brings a sense of organised chaos to the piece. Stockholder reminds me of artists like Kurt Schwitters. Both invite us to embrace the messy, unpredictable nature of art and life. There’s no single meaning here, just an open invitation to play.