Untitled 1975

This drawing was made by Gene Davis. It’s made with colored pencil – look how the marks are scribbled, tangled, and layered. I can imagine Davis making this, maybe quickly, trying to get something down before it disappears. It’s so simple, almost childlike, but there's a knowingness in the way the lines are placed. The colors are muted, soft, like a memory. The red dot is such a perfect touch. It's like a little spark of energy in this otherwise quiet composition. There is something very experimental about this drawing. It reminds me a little bit of Cy Twombly’s work. It feels like Davis is exploring a new way of seeing, a new way of drawing the figure. As painters we’re always chasing something, a feeling, an idea, a new way to mess things up. That’s what keeps it interesting.