13 1986

Curator: Brice Marden's intaglio print, simply titled "13", presents a fascinating study in line and form. Editor: My initial response is a sense of dynamic tension; the angular lines and contrasting black against the white background create a visually arresting composition. Curator: Considering Marden's broader practice, his prints often reflect his engagement with abstract expressionism, but also possess a calculated precision. The process of intaglio, with its reliance on etching and controlled inking, is crucial to understanding this work. Editor: Precisely! And it is this interplay between intention and accident that fascinates me. The stark contrast, the almost violent scratching of the lines, yields a powerful emotional expression. Curator: Yes, and the dimensions of the print—just over 20 x 17 centimeters—underscore the intimacy of the piece. This isn't a grand statement, but a subtle exploration of mark-making. Editor: Ultimately, it seems, Marden invites us to contemplate the very nature of drawing itself, its ability to both conceal and reveal. Curator: Indeed. A testament to the power of simplicity and process.