Untitled (Black and White Lines on Red Background) 1965

Lorser Feitelson made this untitled painting on an unknown date using some kind of paint on what I imagine is a square support. The red ground feels solid, firm, like a big stage for the black and white lines to perform on. I imagine Feitelson was feeling a certain way, maybe methodical, maybe a little playful, as he laid down these lines. Each one has its own personality, doesn’t it? The black lines feel grounded, while the white ones zing with energy. It makes me think about Agnes Martin's lines, but with a twist. Where she's all about serenity, Feitelson is bringing some drama, a little bit of edge. He's part of a lineage, a conversation between painters, each one building on what came before. It's like they're all in this ongoing studio visit, sharing ideas across time.