Untitled 1972

This untitled print by Garo Antreasian features stripes of graduated colour that play across a red ground, like coloured pencils scattered on a desk. Imagine the artist leaning over the stone or screen, carefully building up the image. I wonder, did he work intuitively, or did he plan every detail in advance? The colours have a gorgeous, optimistic quality. Each stripe seems to radiate light, adding depth and texture to the surface. They remind me of a hard-edged Agnes Martin. The overall effect is one of balance and harmony, a testament to the artist's careful consideration of color and form. Looking at this, I wonder what kind of conversations Antreasian was having with other artists. Did he see the colour stripes of Gene Davis? I love how each artist takes something from their peers and transforms it into something new and personal. It makes me want to get back to my studio and start playing with colour myself.