Window c. 1913

This window was made by William Gray Purcell, and is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Right away you’re confronted with a cool, calm, controlled sense of geometry, but there are also moments of looseness and imprecision. The muted colors—pale greens, yellows, and purples—create a soft, almost dreamlike quality. What interests me about this piece is the way Purcell uses the materials to create a sense of depth and movement. The lead lines that hold the glass together are not just structural; they’re also active participants in the composition. Look at the diamond shape near the top, how the colors shift and change depending on the light. Ultimately, Purcell reminds me a bit of Agnes Martin, the way he uses simple forms to create a sense of peace and contemplation. And like Martin, Purcell shows us that art doesn’t always have to shout to be heard; sometimes, the quietest voices are the most powerful. The conversation of art continues, and we are all invited to listen and respond.