Quadrate diagonal 1943

Adolf Fleischmann made 'Quadrate diagonal' with paint, and probably a brush. I really get a kick out of the way Fleischmann handles his colours, here. You can see each square is carefully considered for its chromatic effect, and the whole thing hums like a well tuned engine. I love this idea of a painting being a sort of machine for seeing. Look at the texture too, you can see the marks of the brush, and the way that the paint sits on the surface. He’s not trying to hide anything, but embraces the materiality of the medium. It’s almost as if he’s saying, “Hey, this is paint, and I’m using it to make something cool!” And those little triangles of orange and green, nestled in the corners of the squares! What’s that about? They seem to act like little keys, unlocking the whole composition and sending it spiralling outwards. It makes me think of Paul Klee, who had a similar interest in the poetics of geometry. I love that art is like a conversation, or like jamming with other players. You take an idea, work it until it breaks down, and then pass it along.