Record 1983

Robert Ryman made *Record* with paint, a brush, and his own inquisitive perspective. What grabs me about Ryman’s work is how it transforms the simple act of applying paint into an adventure. Look closely, and you’ll see that this painting isn’t just white; it’s a whole world of whites interacting. The paint looks pretty thin, almost translucent in places. You can practically feel the texture of the support underneath. Then there’s the border, that subtle band framing the whiteness; it gives the work a sense of being complete. It contains the gesture, stops it from spreading out endlessly. Ryman's work reminds me of Agnes Martin. They both share this interest in reduction, a paring down to essentials, but also a recognition that even in simplicity, there's room for endless variation and exploration.