Untitled 1974

This untitled work was made by Robert Grosvenor using wood, graphite, and gesso. It’s a seemingly simple piece, but I assure you it's rich with process. The use of wood, graphite, and gesso here speaks to the intersection of industrial and traditional art materials. We have wood, a common building material that has been used for ages in construction, along with graphite, which is a medium often used for drawing. Juxtaposing the two we have gesso, typically used as a primer for painting. Looking closely at the composition, we see that the wood has been carefully cut and placed, the graphite line is faint yet deliberate, and the gesso provides a smooth, matte ground. The making of this work involves precision, control, and a deep understanding of materials. Grosvenor's piece challenges the idea of art as something precious or separate from everyday life, and reminds us of the importance of materiality, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.