Chair 1936

Jack Bochner made this drawing of a chair using what looks like pencil and watercolor. The limited color palette and delicate rendering suggests the careful observation and gentle mark making of the artist. I love the way Bochner captures the essence of the chair using just a few strokes of color to create a sense of volume and texture. The pastel pink is almost edible, like a sugared almond. The lines around the cushion and legs are delicate and precise, suggesting a sense of craft and precision. The artist has used the thinnest brush to create them, almost like a pin, allowing the pale beige background paper to breathe. This drawing reminds me of some of Agnes Martin’s works, where she also uses delicate lines and subtle colors to create a sense of calm and contemplation. I wonder if this was intended to be a proposal, or just a meditation on the humble beauty of a chair. Either way, it's a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.